The writers introduce a design approach for braced excavations based directly on the data of carefully chosen soil tests, conceived within the framework of plasticity theory, but allowing for strain hardening. Mobilized shear stresses beneath and around braced excavations are found by a stability calculation based on a proposed plastic deformation mechanism. Strains required to mobilize these stresses are deduced from a direct simple shear test on a representative sample taken from a selected location in the plastic zone of influence. These strains are entered into a simple plastic deformation mechanism to predict boundary displacements. Hence, the proposed Mobilizable Strength Design (MSD) method can satisfy both safety and serviceability in a single step of calculation, without the need for finite element analyses. In this method, design parameters can be chosen rationally with regard to the initial state of soil, the stiffness following the appropriate stress path, and the level of acceptable deformations under working conditions. Examples demonstrating the success of the MSD method are given for a variety wall and soil conditions. Comparisons are made both with previously published field studies and with comprehensive nonlinear finite element analyses.

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Ground Movement Predictions for Braced Excavations in Undrained Clay

Although the conventional top-down construction method is widely used in deep excavation, it has the drawback of low efficiency attributable to the long hauling distance and the possibility of the occurrence of excessive excavation deformation and construction risk. This paper introduces a case of deep metro station excavation at West Shanghai Railway Station. The top-down construction method must be used because the excavation is located under a running high-speed railway, and an innovative excavation scheme is proposed to improve construction efficiency and to control excavation deformation. In this method, an operation channel for earth hauling is first excavated in the middle of the excavation. With the available operation channel, the soil on both sides of the channel is excavated simultaneously in a segment pattern, and the required strut systems are subsequently constructed. Both the excavated soil and the construction materials are transported through the channel. This channel-type constru...

Case Study of Innovative Top-Down Construction Method with Channel-Type Excavation

In this paper, design, re-design, and performance of a long-standing very deep excavation, which was originally planned to depth of 38 m, are presented. Over-digging was not planned in the original design, thus the reassessment was performed. Two main topics were followed: deepening to increase the maximum depth of an existent excavation from 38 m to 42.5 m, and feasibility for upgrading a predesigned support system from temporary to permanent support system. The geological investigations in the project site illustrated a type of stiff and cemented coarse-grained alluvium. An observational approach with additional geotechnical investigations and in situ tests was applied. Back analyses of stability of an unsupported access ramp, as well as deformation monitoring of walls, were used in order to review geotechnical design parameters that represent the full-scale behavior of the ground. Additional nails and soldier piles together with building mat foundation were implemented as a complementary lateral support in the retaining system. From an engineering point of view, by assuming a corrosion rate of 0.065 mm/a for existent rebars, according to chemical and electrical resistivity tests, the long-term performance of the revised retaining system was verified by static and pseudo-dynamic ultimate limit state analyses. Performance monitoring during the construction shows that the measured deformation is in the lower limit of the prediction.

Design adaptations in a large and deep urban excavation: Case study

Deep excavations conducted close to tunnels will cause an adverse impact on tunnels, and countermeasures must be taken during the excavation to ensure the safety of the tunnels However, th

Numerical Evaluation of Control Measures for Tunnel Deformation Induced by an Oversized Deep Excavation

The safety of operational tunnels impacted by nearby deep excavations has led to growing interest in the field of practical civil engineering. Many researchers have studied the performance ...

Field Monitoring of an Existing Cut-and-Cover Tunnel between Two Large-Scale Deep Excavations

In excavation works, there are limitations in the ability to model earth retaining structures and select soil parameters for design. This is because of the variable and complicated retaining wall structure conditions. The soil and structure behaviour are often monitored to confirm the safety of excavation works during construction. The data are rarely used to improve predictions and modify the design of subsequent stages of construction. The back-analysis of excavations made after construction is very useful in the evaluation of the assumptions and parameters which influence the behaviour (Lambe, 1973). However, it may be advantageous to use the measured data to rationalize the design at the later stages of construction. This is an extension of the observational method described by Peck (1969). In this Paper, the observational construction method is proposed whereby the excavation sequence is modified and optimized during construction. An example of its application is given. The method can be used to revi...

E. Sato

Papers

Application of the observational method to a deep basement excavated using the top-down method