Cofferdam excavations have traditionally been designed with classical design
methods that involve direct computations of active or apparent earth pressures.
However in contrast to finite element methods, traditional analyses can not
account for full soil-structure interaction. Because of their complexity, numerical
analyses are performed almost exclusively by computers. Recent theoretical and
computer advancements have made the use of the finite element method much
more user-friendly and affordable. General information about the basics of the
finite element method in geotechnical engineering and for cofferdam excavations
is presented. While knowledge of all intricate theoretical and computational
details is not needed, the designer should at a minimum be aware of the most
important aspects of soil modeling. Most importantly, the designer must have
sufficient experience to be able to judge the relative “correctness” of vast
numerical results produced by today’s software programs. Hence, the human
factor is an irreplaceable component of finite element computations.
Author: Dimitrios C. Konstantakos, Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers
Publisher: DFI