Calculated and experimental investigations of lateral earth pressure on a block pumphouse of the Zaporozh`E Nuclear Power Plant

Results are set forth from a set of investigations (full-scale observations, laboratory experiments, and calculations by the finite-element method) to determine the lateral earth pressure on the underground part of a block pumphouse of the Zaporozh'e nuclear power plant. Laboratory investigations of sandy soils made it possible to confirm the validity of basic premises of a model of nonassociated plasticity and suggest a procedure for determining the model's parameters. Comparison of the results of FEM calculations with data from full-scale observations showed that satisfactory correspondence is achieved only by taking into account strengthening and the sequence of erection of the structure and backfilling.