Numerische Untersuchungen zur Standsicherheit in der tiefen Gleitfuge

In this paper, three methods for verification the stability in the lower failure plane of an anchored retaining wall are compared: i) conventional methods of structural analysis (with different safety definitions), ii) finite element method with reduction of shear strength, iii) static and kinematic collapse theorem in finite element implementation. For the selected example of a retaining wall with one anchor, the two finite element methods investigated provide similar global safety factors as the methods of structural analysis with a safety definition according to design approach 2 of the Eurocode. With the safety definition according to Kranz, significantly higher safety factors follow. Both finite element methods can be used to determine utilization ratios in the sense of the Eurocode. These ratios are in the example shown are similar to the utilization ratios determined by means of design approach 2, but slightly more conservative. The investigations shown are a further indication that modern numerical methods can be used well in design.