Modelagem de solos não-saturados por elementos finitos.

Abstract

This paper presents important and relevant characteristics of the modeling of the unsaturated soils using the Finite Elements Method (FEM). In FEM, the consideation of the effect of the suction is executed using initial deformation technique, as seen in ZIENCKIEWCZ, 1985. The use of this technique allows obtaining quite solid results in comparison with the results obtained in laborathory, as for instance, during the saturation of the sample soil in edometric double test. Also implementating the technique of initial deformation in finite elements program is possible to acquire results of collapse occurrence and moderate expansion at the same time, as in the case of elevation of water level in underground with superficial foundation. In this work it was also presented numeric analysis of earth dam filling, with and without hidro-mechanic coupled analysis, natural slopes, soft soils with dried superficial layer and irrigation channel agrees on collapsible natural soil.