Deformation characteristics of a 38 m deep excavation in soft clay

Abstract

To meet the increasing demand for underground space for economical development and infrastructural needs, more and more deep excavations have been constructed in Shanghai. In this paper, field performance of a 38 m deep multistrutted excavation in Shanghai soft clay is reported. The deep excavation was retained by a 65 m deep diaphragm wall. Inclinometers as well as settlement and heave markers were installed to monitor the performance of the deep excavation. This project provides an unusual opportunity to study the differential heaves of center columns and diaphragm walls during excavation. Because of the significant stress relief resulting from the 38 m deep excavation, maximum heaves of the center column and diaphragm wall panel were about 30 and 16 mm, respectively. The measured ratio δp/H (heave/final excavation depth) of column is less than 0.1% whereas the observed δp/H of the diaphragm wall panel is about 0.04%. The maximum distortion between the column and the diaphragm wall panel is smaller than 1/500, which is within the limit range proposed by Bjerrum in 1963. Owing to careful construction control, stiff strutting system, and compaction grouting, the measured lateral wall deflections and ground settlements at this site are generally smaller than other shallower excavations in soft clays in Shanghai, Singapore, and Taipei.