Research Article

Flexible Temporary Shield in Soft and Sensitive Clay: 3D FE Modelling of Experimental Field Test

Table 5

Construction sequence of FE modelling in PLAXIS-3D.

PhaseIn the modelDrainage

Phase 0Only soil elements (no structure) procedure
Phase 1Excavation (1st layer, depth: 0.6 m) fissured brown clayDrained
Phase 2Excavation (2nd layer: 0.6 to 2 m) brow clayPlastic: undrained (soil model)
Phase 3Adding structural elementPlastic: undrained (soil model)
Phase 4Excavation (3rd layer: 2 m to 6 m) sensitive blue clayPlastic: undrained (soil model)

Note: the definition of undrained is discussed in construction step 2: phase 2.