Validation of a numerical model to analyze pile-supported T-Walls

Alex Reeb, George Filz, Jehu Johnson, Richard Varuso, Panagiota Kokkali, Anthony Tessari, Tarek Abdoun

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

T-walls are floodwalls that consist of reinforced concrete in an inverted "T" shape. These structures are supported on batter piles, and they are commonly used in New Orleans and the surrounding area to protect low-lying regions against hurricane-induced flooding. Since the soils in southern Louisiana often include very soft and compressible clays, T-walls need to be designed to resist the stresses and bending moments that can develop in the batter piles due to settlements. However, the current T-wall design procedure for estimating settlement-induced bending moments is largely based on numerical models that have only been validated to a limited extent. Therefore, a series of centrifuge tests is currently being performed to investigate and physically model the effects of settlement-induced bending moments on pile-supported T-walls. This paper describes one of these centrifuge tests as well as the development and validation of a corresponding numerical model. The results from the numerical model are in good agreement with the centrifuge test results, which is an indication that numerical modeling can be used to realistically estimate the magnitude and distribution of settlement-induced bending moments.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIFCEE 2015 - Proceedings of the International Foundations Congress and Equipment Expo 2015
EditorsJ. Brian Anderson, Magued Iskander, Muhannad T. Suleiman, Debra F. Laefer
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages192-201
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780784479087
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventInternational Foundations Congress and Equipment Expo 2015, IFCEE 2015 - San Antonio, United States
Duration: Mar 17 2015Mar 21 2015

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
VolumeGSP 256
ISSN (Print)0895-0563

Other

OtherInternational Foundations Congress and Equipment Expo 2015, IFCEE 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Antonio
Period3/17/153/21/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Building and Construction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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