Numerical analysis using a newly developed 3D finite element procedure - Part I: Stress behavior at the corner of KIX

The newly developed three-dimensional finite element program was applied to the problem of the stress and deformation of the reclaimed marine deposits for the connecting bridge at the corner of the Kansai International Airport (KIX) fill. The connecting bridge of KIX is supported by the sea friction piles and the abutment on the airport fill. Differential deformation has been expected to occur at the border of the pile foundation and abutment on the reclaimed fill. Then, for the corner of the large reclaimed island, a three-dimensional analysis is strongly required because a stress dispersion with depth for the applied filling load is expected to occur, and one and two-dimensional approaches have a definite limitation to assess the stress and deformation due to reclamation. Stress dispersion was remarkable with depth. The stress concentration effect due to the existence of a deeply compacted sand column in the alluvial clay layer influenced the subsequent deformation of the Pleistocene deposits. Remarkable lateral displacement, as a typical three-dimensional behavior, was observed in association with long-term settlement. It is noteworthy that the in-situ measured settlement is found to be well described with the calculated performance by the developed 3D elasto-viscoplastic finite element program.