Finite Element Analysis On Creep Deformation Of Backfill Soft Soil Foundation

Large primary settlements of dams and embankments are usually followed by creep settlements after they being build. The key point of building structure in deep soft soil foundation is how to control the total settlement and the differential settlement. Most of the foundation construction accidents in the soft soil area are caused by large settlements, especially, the differential settlement can do great harm to the structures. Moreover, the settlements of the foundations have a close relationship with the construction investment. Therefore it is important to control the settlement, and find a reasonable and efficient way to calculate and predict the creep settlement of the foundations.In this paper, a soft-soil-creep model developed by Vermeer & Neher(1998) is introduced. A full description of the formulation of the soft-soil-creep model and the progress how to extend 1D-creep model into 3D-creep model are given. In addition, attention is focused on the model parameters. Finally, a validation of the 3D model is presented by considering both model predictions and data from an oedometer test and a survey report of a high-rise building foundation.The calculation program proved to be effective in practice is applied to the creep calculation of Tianjin Harbor Breakwater. The model and the parameters are revised by analyzing the parameter sensitivity and comparing the theoretical calculation results with the actual measured results. The creep properties of Tianjin Harbor Breakwater are analyzed by the calculation result of the model, and accordingly, some relevant predictions of the future creep tendency and phenomena can be made.