3D modeling of non-linear geomechanical processes

For the above-mentioned issues, Geostar has the GTS NX module of the MIDAS software system. This program allows the modeling of the stress-strain relationship with a non-linear constitutive relationship, in association with the solution of water flow through the soil (Coupled Analysis), which allows not only to determine the total magnitude of the deformation of the geological environment under load but also its time course. This year, this demanding approach was applied, for example, in a contract that, based on existing measurements, dealt with the prediction of long-term settlement of some bridge abutments on the R47 motorway.

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The following figure shows a cut-out from a model of a bridge abutment and its surroundings:

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The problem was solved in the first phase by a backward analysis method, where the state with the best fit to the in situ measured settlement values was sought and the curve thus obtained was then extrapolated using a consolidation analysis to forecast settlement over the following years (see graph below).

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This is just a small demonstration of the capabilities of 3D mathematical modeling of geomechanical processes, which is clearly a worldwide trend for solving challenging geotechnical problems. We are not afraid to say that Geostar spol. s r.o. captured this trend years ago and is now one of only a few companies in the country that have taken this method to commercial use.

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Ing. Karel Zdražil, CSc. and Ing. Vojtěch Krejza