Implementation of the New Dutch Guidelines on the Macrostability Assessment of Dikes using Different Constitutive Models

Abstract

In this study, the assessment of the KIJK dike follows the new guidelines given by POV-M 2018 using PLAXIS. The macrostability assessment and design of the dike is examined for two cases. In the first case the dike is assessed based on the in-situ conditions (Green dike) whereas in the second case a cantilever sheet pile wall is used in the design (Blue dike) to strengthen the dike. Prior to the analysis the interpretation of the available laboratory data that were executed according to the new protocol (WBI 2017) and the parameter determination of the necessary input parameters of the considered constitutive models (SHANSEP NGI-ADP, Hardening Soil, Soft Soil models) is established. The undrained shear strength (su) of the SHANSEP NGI-ADP model is based on the SHANSEP concept and the normalised su (S (NC, OC)) and the strength increase exponent (m) parameters are needed. For the HS and the SS models the effective strength parameters φ and c are required.
The FoS is determined with the use of the strength reduction method. Moreover, the CSSM framework is coupled with the SHANSEP (Stress History and Normalized Soil Engineering Properties) concept enabling the incorporation of the effect of stress history and the stress path characterizing the undrained shear strength in the design. The CSSM framework is applied in the design by determining the strength parameters of clays from an axial strain level equal to 25% under triaxial compression whereas for peats at 40% shear strain level under direct simple shearing conditions. In this study the strength parameters were additionally determined from the service conditions strain levels which are the 2% and 5% strain levels for clays and peats, respectively. The necessary strength parameters for the constitutive models are determined in the considered strain levels exposing their influence for both clays and peats. Moreover, the study includes the examination of the constitutive models at a single element level conducted in the Soil Test facility available in PLAXIS. When it comes to the design analysis, it was found that the SHANSEP NGI-ADP model fits properly the su determined from a cone penetration test. The HS and SS models based on the effective strength parameters may result in an undrained shear strength profile which deviates from the su that the soils exhibits in the field.
The study points out that both the strain level dependency of the strength parameters and the selection of the constitutive model at critical loading influence the results in terms of the developed failure plane and the FoS, especially in the case of Green dikes. The study also elaborates the response of the models in regard to the design requirements for the calculation of displacements and the structural forces. Finally, this study answers the knowledge gap regarding how the strain level influences the strength of the examined soils and how this should be translated in the design along with the explanation on the effects of the selected constitutive model on the results.