Novel Approach to Integration of Numerical Modeling and Field Observations for Deep Excavations
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 8
Abstract
Precedent and observation of performance are an essential part of the design and construction process in geotechnical engineering. For deep urban excavations designers rely on empirical data to estimate potential deformations and impact on surrounding structures. Numerical simulations are also employed to estimate induced ground deformations. Significant resources are dedicated to monitor construction activities and control induced ground deformations. While engineers are able to learn from observations, numerical simulations have been unable to fully benefit from information gained at a given site or prior excavation case histories in the same area. A novel analysis method, self-learning in engineering simulations (SelfSim), is introduced to integrate precedent into numerical simulations. SelfSim is an inverse analysis technique that combines finite element method, biologically inspired material models, and field measurements. SelfSim extracts relevant constitutive soil information from field measurements of excavation response such as lateral wall deformations and surface settlement. The resulting soil model, used in a numerical analysis, provides correct ground deformations and can be used in estimating deformations of similar excavations. The soil model can continuously evolve using additional field information. SelfSim is demonstrated using two excavation case histories in Boston and Chicago.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. INSFCMS 02-19123 under program director Dr. R. Fragaszy. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. The writers would like thank Professor R. Finno, Dr. Jill Roboski, and Dr. Terence Holman from Northwestern University for providing the Lurie Research Center data, Professor A. Whittle for providing the Stata Center data, and Ms. Nicole Lavergne for helping in the data reduction for the Stata Center and in the development of the figures. The writers also thank Mr. David Weatherby and Schanbel Foundation Company for their support of this work.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 132 • Issue 8 • August 2006
Pages: 1019 - 1031
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Nov 3, 2004
Accepted: Feb 15, 2006
Published online: Aug 1, 2006
Published in print: Aug 2006
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