Finite Element Analysis on the Construction of Ultra-Large Steel Suspension Box Cofferdam and Study on Structural Optimization

The quality of constructing Steel Suspension Box Cofferdam (SSBC) has important effect on the subsequent construction, it is necessary to analyze in detail mechanical property of SSBC in order to ensure safety and quality. Firstly, the mechanical properties of the whole construction process were analyzed by finite element (FE) method, and then the calculation results had been compared with monitoring data. Furthermore, based on the optimization theory, the shape of SSBC has been optimized. The results had shown: FE results which could indicate the force status of SSBC to some extent were consistent with monitoring data and had certain guiding significance for the similar engineering in future. After the optimization of SSBC, it was obvious that the maximum value of stresses and displacements had been decreased greatly when the parabola panels were adopted at the corners of wall panels with equal quantity of material.