Analysis of Sheeting Structures
Analysis based on EN 1997 introduces several partial factors according to the selected Design approach (DA).
Designing a structure according to EN 1997-1 essentially follows the analysis of limit states.
Load reduction (DA1, DA2, DA3):
In programs that consider the overall earth pressure in the analysis (Earth Pressures, Sheeting Design, Sheeting Check) the partial factors are used to multiply individual components of pressure acting on a structure.
The basic assumption of the analysis is that the active earth pressure acts unfavorably whereas the passive earth pressure is considered as favorable. Individual pressure diagrams are therefore multiplied by the corresponding partial factor.
Reduction of material (DA1, DA3):
Parameters of soils are automatically reduced by the corresponding partial factors.
Reduction of resistance (DA2): is considered. Partial factors on resistance reduce the passive earth pressure in front of the structure.
In simple words, DA1 - Combination 2, DA2, and DA3 increase the magnitude of active pressure and reduce the magnitude of passive pressure, while DA1 - combination 1 only increases the magnitude of active pressure.
This approach may, therefore, change in some cases the structure behavior and deliver misleading results. Caution must, therefore, be exercised when reducing input parameters.
Response of sheeting structure after the excavation of soil