KGA can undertake a variety of numerical modelling techniques to assess the ground and its effects on foundations and excavations.
These include:
Soil/Structure Interaction Modelling:
KGA are able to undertake two dimensional and three dimensional numerical ground modelling and soil/structure interaction modelling using Plaxis 2D and 3D Finite Element software. It is used for the analyses of deformation and stability in projects involving basement excavations temporary earth support and ground improvement.
Slope stability Analyses:
The assessments of the stability of sloping ground are undertaken using 2D limit equilibrium slope stability analyses. We can also undertake finite element groundwater seepage analyses for steady-state or transient conditions, which is often used in basement excavation projects to estimate the potential flow from groundwater seepages.
Settlement Analyses:
Where sites are underlain by potentially compressible material, 3D analyses are performed to determine the potential vertical consolidation and settlement under foundations, embankments, preloads and other surface loads. KGA are able to predict potential settlement with staged loadings, wick drains preloads for reclamation and road embankment projects.
Retaining Wall Design: Analyses can be undertaken to estimate the wall deflections and internal forces for cantilevered and propped retaining walls. KGA can also undertake the design of reinforced soil slopes and mechanical stabilised earth walls, not only assessing the global slope stability, but also the internal stability of each layer of reinforcement.
Pile Performance:
The performance of various types of piles under lateral and vertical loading can be assessed, particularly where the piles are in soft ground or areas of seismic risk. This includes the compression, uplift and lateral capacity of piles, as well as the deflection, bending moment, shear force and soil response over the length of a pile. By working together with structural engineers, the foundation design can usually be optimised.
Liquefaction Analysis:
Data gathered from CPT probing is analysed to assess soil liquefaction potential.