Finite Element Analysis of a Cofferdam with Bucket Foundations at Zhuanghai Artificial Island

Abstract

This paper presents a finite element study of the stability and deformation of a cofferdam incorporating bucket foundations in soft clays at Zhuanghai Artificial Island. The development of excess pore pressures in the clays has been investigated in terms of the progress of construction, geometry of structures and hence the load resulted. The effect of pre- fabricated drains on the behavior of the soil-structure system has been highlighted.