Braced Cut with RCC Tangent or Secant Pile

Dear Asif,

There are different ways to approach modelling in finite elements (applies to PLAXIS, too). One option is to try and simulate the details, e.g. volume piles as close to reality. Another option is to simplify the geometry and assume the behaviour of the shoring system to be equivalent to a wall.

When trying opinion one, the difficulty can be when trying to generate a good quality mesh that will give accurate results. For this, you may need to apply local refinements and perform a trial & error procedure to identify the most efficient meshing for your model.

When trying option two, you need to accept the simplifications based on some assumptions that can be accepted during the review of the design.

Each option has its pros and cons and it is for the user to decide which simulation approach fits better and produces more accurate results.

Dear Asif,

There are different ways to approach modelling in finite elements (applies to PLAXIS, too). One option is to try and simulate the details, e.g. volume piles as close to reality. Another option is to simplify the geometry and assume the behaviour of the shoring system to be equivalent to a wall.

When trying opinion one, the difficulty can be when trying to generate a good quality mesh that will give accurate results. For this, you may need to apply local refinements and perform a trial & error procedure to identify the most efficient meshing for your model.

When trying option two, you need to accept the simplifications based on some assumptions that can be accepted during the review of the design.

Each option has its pros and cons and it is for the user to decide which simulation approach fits better and produces more accurate results.

I tried opinion one and failed miserably. It did not even go to mesh tab let alone generate mesh. May be due the added complexity of presence of soil in between the pile. However did not tried the opinion two. I think the second option will be a better on. 

Moreover some people encourage me to try embedded beam option. Will with work?

How do I model the struts supported by piles at intermediate locations?

Dear Asif,

The complexity of a model requires making some simplifications on the model to achieve the geotechnical behaviour we are interested in.

The embedded beams are a great option for modelling piles.

Dear Asif,

In general, you can use beam elements to simulate struts.

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