Analysis of Geotechnical Problems by means of the Finite Elements Method.

In this paper the use of the finite element method for analyses of geotechnical problems is described. The theoretical principles of the method are referenced briefly. Material properties that can be taken into account by the method are mentioned, as well as how they can be determined. The procedure of analyses of a geotechnical problem is outlined, and four different example problems are described in order to illustrate the applicability of the method. In the first example the increase in the bearing capacity of a long fill due to a lateral reinforcement is analysed. The initial settlement as well as the long term settlement of a circular fill is calculated in the second example, and in the third example a braced excavation is analysed. The last example is an example of an analysis of a U-frame lock structure. Finally, some improvements of the method that are desirable from a geotechnical point of view, are mentioned. One of the greatest problems confronting a user is to determine the soil behaviour properly. However, results obtained thus far clearly show that the finite element method will be a very useful tool for practising engineers in the future.