Overview of the Constitutive Model and Numerical Calibration by FEM to Compute Bearing Capacity and Embankment-Core Deformability

Abstract

Numerical modeling is a powerful tool to determine the stress-strain relationships of structures. However, for a reliable application, physical and mathematical models must be calibrated and validated. This paper presents an overview of numerical calibration through the finite element method and plate-load tests in an embankment. Additionally, an analysis of the constitutive models used in soils is performed, and the elastic-plastic constitutive model of Mohr-Coulomb was selected since it is the best suited for this study. The results from three test areas within a refinery project that the Cuban government undertook in the province of Cienfuegos are used. The numerical model used in this study was calibrated by means of the error theory and the non-parametric hypothesis tests from Mann-Whitney U. From the practical point of view, this study gives two procedures to calibrate the numerical model with experimental results.

Keywords

• constitutive models
• load-plate test
• finite element method
• numerical calibration