Analytical Model of an Anchored Wall in Creep Soils

Abstract

A new analytical model of soil–structure interaction for creep ground is proposed, which can be used to calculate the load evolution on an anchored structure over time and the associated creep strains. This complete boundary problem solution employs the Burgers model or any mechanical or empirical model, and the Borowicka hypothesis of settlement and movement produced by a force into an elastic semispace. The singularity that appears when a point load is applied at the beginning of the anchor depth was solved with the integration of the Mindlin equation for a distributed constant load at a particular depth acting on an annular surface. The solution was validated for a slab anchored to the ground with a finite-difference model contrast and applied to an actual anchored wall located in Scotland. The numerical and analytical prediction models show good agreement. The results demonstrate the relevance of having specific creep tests, for at least a minimum duration, to make an adequate estimation of the parameters and to obtain an accurate prediction.