SETTLEMENT ANALYSIS BY THE 'MOVING LIMIT DEPTH' MODEL

Abstract

Limit depth theories are often used for settlement computation to simplify computational difficulties. Elementary stress distribution assumptions refer to the final stress state while the sequential evolution of the stress and strain fields is neglected. In the age of PCs there is no reason to maintain old and oversimplified assumptions of this kind. The computational model presented follows the load increase sequence and describes the physical fact of the limit depth change. Field measurements prove the adequacy of this approach.