An elastoplastic constitutive model for assessing ground settlements induced by deep excavations

Abstract Ground movements induced by deep excavations may cause damages on neighboring existing buildings. Finite element simulations generally give acceptable estimates of the horizontal displacements of the retaining wall, but results are less satisfactory for the vertical displacements of the ground surface behind the structure. A possible explanation is that most constitutive models describe volumetric strains in a simplified way. This paper proposes an elastoplastic constitutive model aimed at improving the prediction of vertical displacements behind retaining walls. The model comprises a single plastic mechanism with isotropic strain hardening, but has a specific flow rule that allows to generate contractive plastic strains. Identification of the parameters based on triaxial tests is explained and illustrated by an example of calibration. A numerical analysis of a well-documented sheet pile wall in sand in Hochstetten (Germany) is presented. The results given by the model are compared with the measurements and with those obtained using the Hardening Soil Model. The potential advantages of the proposed model are then discussed.