CaltechTHESIS
  A Caltech Library Service

Applications of plasticity theory to selected problems in soil mechanics

Citation

Baligh, Mohsen Mohamed (1972) Applications of plasticity theory to selected problems in soil mechanics. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/EAM0-H226. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04042016-082008001

Abstract

Two topics in plane strain perfect plasticity are studied using the method of characteristics. The first is the steady-state indentation of an infinite medium by either a rigid wedge having a triangular cross section or a smooth plate inclined to the direction of motion. Solutions are exact and results include deformation patterns and forces of resistance; the latter are also applicable for the case of incipient failure. Experiments on sharp wedges in clay, where forces and deformations are recorded, showed a good agreement with the mechanism of cutting assumed by the theory; on the other hand the indentation process for blunt wedges transforms into that of compression with a rigid part of clay moving with the wedge. Finite element solutions, for a bilinear material model, were obtained to establish a correspondence between the response of the plane strain wedge and its axi-symmetric counterpart, the cone. Results of the study afford a better understanding of the process of indentation of soils by penetrometers and piles as well as the mechanism of failure of deep foundations (piles and anchor plates).

The second topic concerns the plane strain steady-state free rolling of a rigid roller on clays. The problem is solved approximately for small loads by getting the exact solution of two problems that encompass the one of interest; the first is a steady-state with a geometry that approximates the one of the roller and the second is an instantaneous solution of the rolling process but is not a steady-state. Deformations and rolling resistance are derived. When compared with existing empirical formulae the latter was found to agree closely.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Engineering
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Engineering and Applied Science
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Scott, Ronald F.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:15 May 1972
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
CaltechUNSPECIFIED
NSFUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:04042016-082008001
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04042016-082008001
DOI:10.7907/EAM0-H226
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:9643
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By:INVALID USER
Deposited On:04 Apr 2016 16:52
Last Modified:09 Nov 2022 19:20

Thesis Files

[img]
Preview
PDF - Final Version
See Usage Policy.

56MB

Repository Staff Only: item control page