Investigating the response of Urban Underground Utilities (3U) within an elastic and elastoplastic geological formation: Employing numerical and analytical techniques

An evaluative analysis focusing on the response of Urban Underground Utilities (3U) within a geological formation was conducted in this study, demonstrating both elastic and elastoplastic behaviors. The study aimed to assess the performance of 3U systems under varying elastic and elastoplastic stress conditions to better understand their resilience and potential failure points. By examining how these utilities respond to different geological conditions, valuable insights can be gained for optimizing infrastructure support design, enhancing maintenance practices, and ensuring long-term structural integrity. The study focused on circular, elliptical, and square openings using advanced numerical methods with Rocscience RS2, a two-dimensional Finite Element (FE) software. The primary aim was to attain comprehensive insights into the structural behavior of these openings under both elastic and elastoplastic conditions. Validated inelastic responses for circular openings were obtained by comparing numerical results with established analytical solutions, ensuring the accuracy of simulated outcomes using Rocscience RS2. Additionally, Rocscience Examine 2D, a sophisticated two-dimensional Boundary Element Method (BEM) program, efficiently analyzed stress and strain distributions within materials containing cavities and boundaries. Numerical results for circular and noncircular openings were authenticated using Kirsch's Solution and Green Span Method, respectively. Moreover, the study explored the detailed discussion on inelastic responses in circular openings, enriching the scientific dialogue on structural behavior in complex geological formations.