Ground deformation mechanism due to deep excavation in sand: 3D numerical modelling

In densely built areas, development of underground transportation system often involves excavations for basement construction and cut-and-cover tunnels which are sometimes inevitable to be constructed adjacent to existing structure. Inadequate support systems have always been major concern as excessive ground movement induced during excavation could damage to neighbouring structure. A detailed parametric analysis of the ground deformation mechanism due to excavation with different depths in sand with different densities (Dr=30%, 50%, 70% and 90%) is presented. 3D finite element analyses were carried out using a hypoplastic model, which considers strain-dependent and path-dependent soil stiffness. The computed results have revealed that the maximum settlement decreased substantially when the excavation is carried out in the sand with higher relative density. This is because of reason that sand with higher relative density possesses higher stiffness. Moreover, the depth of the maximum settlement of the wall decreases as the sandbecome denser.The ground movement flow is towards excavation in retained side of the excavation. On the other hand the soil heave was induced below the formation level at excavation side. The maximum strain level of 2.4% was induced around the diaphragm wall.