Trap-door Model Test and Finite Element Analysis in Active Mode with Reinforcement

Abstract

In this study, trap-door model tests with various reinforcement conditions were conducted to investigate the effects on vertical earth pressure and ground deformation of underground structures with reinforcements in active mode, and compared with finite element analysis. The numerical analysis could demonstrate the experimental results which the development of shear band in the ground was restrained by the reinforcement and the void area beneath the reinforcement was large as the installed position of the reinforcement was closed to the trap-door. Furthermore, in the numerical analysis of vertical earth pressure distribution around the trap-door, it exhibited the big change of vertical earth pressure near the edge of reinforcement from trap-door and the more complex distribution of vertical earth pressure as the installed position of the reinforcement was closed to the trap-door, and the installed position of reinforcement had a huge effect on the earth pressure acting on underground structures.