Computational & Technology Resources
an online resource for computational,
engineering & technology publications |
|
Civil-Comp Conferences
ISSN 2753-3239 CCC: 6
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEVENTEENTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CIVIL, STRUCTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING COMPUTING Edited by: P. Ivanyi, J. Kruis and B.H.V. Topping
Paper 6.2
Detailed distinct element modeling of a Utrecht wharf cellar for the assessment of the load-bearing capacity and failure mechanism Y.P. Oktiovan, F. Messali and J. Rots
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands Y.P. Oktiovan, F. Messali, J. Rots, "Detailed distinct element modeling of a
Utrecht wharf cellar for the assessment of the load-bearing capacity and failure mechanism", in P. Ivanyi, J. Kruis, B.H.V. Topping, (Editors), "Proceedings of the Seventeenth International Conference on
Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing", Civil-Comp Press, Edinburgh, UK,
Online volume: CCC 6, Paper 6.2, 2023, doi:10.4203/ccc.6.6.2
Keywords: Utrecht wharf cellar, distinct element method, 3DEC, traffic load, barrel
vault, Boussinesq distribution, safety assessment.
Abstract
The city of Utrecht is famously known for the system of canals and the wharf cellars
integrated to the heart of the city, whose construction dates back to the 1300s. Due
to increased traffic volume which caused the increase in dead load and traffic load, it
is important to assess the safety and state of maintenance of these historical structures.
In this paper, a safety assessment framework for wharf cellars is introduced
and the application to a wharf cellar as a case study in central Utrecht is provided.
The geometry of the wharf cellar is parametrically generated and used for the numerical
analysis using the distinct element method (DEM), where arch units and piers
are modeled as discrete blocks separated by zero-thickness interfaces. Traffic load
models in accordance with the Dutch guideline for emergency vehicles are calculated.
Unlike traditional approaches, the three-dimensional load distribution through the soil
is modeled. The structure’s compliance with this load is assessed, and the failure load
and mechanism are observed. The analysis result can be used to help engineers on
providing insights into the safety and stability of the cellars in an effort to extend the
lifespan of the historical structures.
download the full-text of this paper (PDF, 10 pages, 468 Kb)
go to the previous paper |
|