This twenty-first manual in the GEO5 engineering series focuses on the analysis of terrain settlement under surcharge loading using the Finite Element Method (FEM) in GEO5. The manual provides a step-by-step guide to modeling and analyzing settlement, offering comparisons between different material models to assess the most accurate results. Available for download, this manual is an essential resource for geotechnical engineers involved in settlement analysis and soil-structure interaction.

Learning Objective:

The goal of this manual is to teach users how to perform a detailed terrain settlement analysis using the GEO5 FEM program. Users will learn how to set up the problem, apply surcharge loading, model the settlement process, and compare the results across different material models to ensure accurate and reliable predictions.

Assignment Description:

In this assignment, users are tasked with analyzing the settlement of a homogeneous terrain subjected to a strip surcharge loading of 250 kPa. The analysis involves three construction stages: primary stress analysis, application of surcharge loading, and subsequent unloading. The manual guides users through each stage, from setting up the model to interpreting the results, including a comparison of settlement values using various material models such as Mohr-Coulomb and Drucker-Prager.

Outcome:

Upon completing this assignment, users will be able to accurately model and analyze terrain settlement under surcharge loading using GEO5 FEM software. They will gain practical experience in handling different material models, assessing settlement behavior, and comparing results to determine the most suitable model for specific geotechnical conditions.

Conclusions:

The manual concludes that the choice of material model significantly affects the predicted settlement values, with elasto-plastic models generally yielding higher settlement compared to linear models. The analysis demonstrates that while the results from the FEM elastic model are comparable to those from the GEO5 Settlement program, differences arise due to varying assumptions in the methodologies. The manual emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate material model for reliable settlement predictions.

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