To model nails as either embedded beams or geogrids in PLAXIS 2D, you need to calculate equivalent parameters that capture the structural behavior of the nails. Here’s a breakdown of the approach for each:
1. Equivalent Parameters for Embedded Beam Elements:
• Axial Stiffness, EA: Calculate the axial stiffness by , where is the Young’s modulus of the nail material and is the cross-sectional area.
• Flexural Stiffness, EI: For bending behavior, use , where is the moment of inertia of the nail’s cross-section.
• Bond Strength Parameters: For pull-out behavior, determine the bond strength (interface shear strength) and frictional properties along the nail length. These values can be assigned based on experimental data or code-based guidelines.
2. Equivalent Parameters for Geogrid Elements:
• Axial Stiffness (EA): Similar to the embedded beam, the axial stiffness is essential for geogrids and is computed by . However, geogrid elements lack bending stiffness (EI), so focus on axial behavior.
• Shear Resistance or Interface Stiffness: In some cases, an interface can be defined between the soil and the geogrid, where you specify shear resistance to simulate the interaction between the nail and surrounding soil.
For a nailing wall model, calibrate these parameters based on the actual material properties of the nails and the intended design assumptions.