3D finite element model for soil penetration

This report contains the results of a difinitin study with respect to the development of a 3-dimensional finite element model for the analysis of soil penetration. After an introduction, the first chapter of the report describes the possibilities and imitations of the ALE (Arbitray Lagrangean Eulerean)? based on the finite element program DiekA. This program, originally developed in the context of mechanical engineering, has been extended to geotechnical engineering in close co-operation between the University of Twente and Delft Geotechics. In a next chapter the programs DiekA, DIANA and PLAXIS are evaluated especially in relation tot the possibilities with respect to tunneling problems. Based on the results of this evaluation, a path for the step-wise development of a full 3-dimensional model for soil penetration problems is described. The model can be used to analyse large-diameter shield tunneling problems (influence of tunneling on surrounding soil, constructions, dykes, embankments and so on), but also other 3D problems, in which large soil deformation are involved. The difinitin study is a part of the co-operation agreement between the Dutch Ministry of Public Works (Road and Hydraulics Division (RWS, DWW) and Delft Geotechnics (GeoDelft)