Evaluating Dilation and Mesh Dependency in Geotechnical FEM Simulations using Non-Associated Plasticity

Master Thesis (2025)
Author(s)

S.R. Dhauri (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)

Contributor(s)

R.B.J. Brinkgreve – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Geo-engineering)

C. Zwanenburg – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Geo-engineering)

M. Lesueur – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Applied Mechanics)

A.M. Dortland – Mentor (Witteveen+Bos)

J. de Greef – Mentor (Witteveen+Bos)

Faculty
Civil Engineering & Geosciences
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Graduation Date
19-08-2025
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
['Geotechnical Engineering']
Sponsors
Witteveen+Bos
Faculty
Civil Engineering & Geosciences
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Abstract

The study focused on the use of associated and non-associated plasticity models in FEM simulations, with particular focus on the role of the dilatancy angle. The dilatancy angle was shown to significantly influence both the shear strength, the deformation behaviour of soils and the mesh dependence of model outcome, particularly in situations with confined or constrained deformation. To evaluate this, three cases were analyzed: Direct Simple Shear (DSS) test, slope stability, retaining structure.

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