cee235b: Finite Element Analysis of Structures Prof.

Taciroglu
University of California, Los Angeles Winter 2015

Homework 7
(due on Monday, March 2)

Problem 1. Consider the following cut-and-cover tunnel dug into loose sand (E = 12 MPa, ν = 0.3,
weight density = 1250 kg/m3), surrounded by solid (rigid) rock. The tunnel it self is lined with a rigid
material.
solid rock y
loose sand

rigid
tunnel cut-n-cover
lining tunnel
16 m

8m
8m 8m
x

16 m

(a) Develop a finite element approximation to the displacement field u(x, y) field using bilinear shape
functions, and by making use of symmetry of the geometry and loading. Use square-shaped finite
elements, and limit the maximum element size to 2m×2m (the suggested mesh is shown below).
y
8 cm

“teflon” boundary
8 cm

traction-free
16 cm

boundary

16 cm

(b) Plot the deformed mesh.

(c) Compute the pressure distribution along the tunnel lining.

cee235b - Taciroglu