Introduction
This project looks at large retaining walls, such as applied for quay walls in harbours, canals, locks, viaducts, and bridges, as well as other applications. The project focuses on large anchored combined walls, that combine large pipe piles and sheet pile planks.
The background of the project:
- 80% of the large retaining walls are at the end of design life time.
- We have great sustainability ambitions.
- There is an urgent need to respond on the consequences of climate change.
With the project KaKaLaWa, we want to reduce emissions by reducing the use of steel and concrete by better utilization of existing structures and better design of new structures.
For this reason, we are applying 'smart' walls: walls equipped with sensors that give insight in the behaviour of the quay walls during the construction phase.
However, the understanding of the measurements during the serviceability phase is still complicated.
Large anchored steel combined walls: alternating steel pipe piles and sheet pile walls
Purpose of the research
- Insight into actual force interaction
- Validating and optimizing advanced numerical models
- Learning to optimally deploy ‘smart’ infrastructure
Activities
Field testing
A 'smart' quay wall will be monitored during the dredging phase, and will subsequently loaded by 80% of its design load and unloaded.
Field test: loading with 80% of the design load
Centrifuge testing
We will simulate the field test in the GeoCentrifuge of Deltares, and subsequently, conduct a series of centrifuge tests while varying various properties, to make the test results applicable for a wide range of retaining walls.
The Deltares GeoCentrifuge
Numerical modelling
The field test and centrifuge test series will be predicted and simulated.
Subsequently, numerical analyses will lead to recommendations for design.
Numerical analyses
Consortium
- Port of Rotterdam
- Rijkswaterstaat
- Witteveen+Bos
- ArcelorMittal
- SmartPort
- Deltares
More information?
Please, contact Suzanne.vanEekelen@deltares.nl.
