Behaviour of a propped embedded retaining wall at Bell Common Tunnel in the longer term

Abstract

This is a report of the extensive instrumentation and monitoring and the behavior of a section of retaining wall and adjoining ground at the 4 m long cut and cover Bell Common Tunnel in Essex. Earth and pore water pressures are reported as well as ground movements and wall and roof behavior. In the 4 years since completion of the construction, there has been little indication of any significant change in earth pressure in the London Clay behind the wall while in front of the wall earth pressures have reduced by only a small amount. Comments are also made on the heave of the ground, translatory movement of the wall, and the bending moments and deflexions towards the top of the wall.