Finite element calculation of excavations
Due to the increasing building density, ever more precise analyses of deformations in the area of excavations are required. Thanks to effective input and automatic finite element meshing, the WALLS-FEM programme enables the economical calculation of complex excavations.
The SOFiSTiK calculation kernel implemented in WALLS-FEM uses modern material laws to calculate realistic settlement depressions and wall displacements in all construction phases in accordance with the new EAB recommendation EB103.
WALLS-FEM is the ideal complement to the WALLS chain. In this programme combination, the geometry (embedment depth, required anchor lengths, etc.) is first determined using the WALLS Shoring programme according to the formulae of the EAB and then the system is imported into WALLS-FEM and the FE calculation is carried out after a few additional entries. Since all relative displacements of soil, anchor and wall are fully considered in the FEM, it can now be verified whether the assumptions of the EAB were correct for this case. Thanks to the interactive editable nature of all objects (such as anchor angles and lengths, prestressing, etc.), the system can be optimised very easily, e.g. to minimise settlements.
Areas of application
- Estimation of settlements and displacements of the excavation wall
- Determination of characteristic stresses in decisive sections
- Safety against slope and terrain failure
- Calculation of complicated geometries
- Investigation of excavation walls where a reliable earth pressure determination is not possible (e.g. flexible anchors + flexible wall)
- Realistic mapping of the effects of excavation phases
