Determination of the Influence of the Disturbance Caused by Traversing Cross-Type Deep Foundation Pit Excavations

Abstract

Accurately recognizing the influence of excavation disturbance on the traversing cross-type deep foundation pit of the subway, determining the active range of the disturbance, and reasonably arranging the structure within its range can effectively ensure the safety of the project and save resources to achieve the goal of sustainable development. A three-dimensional model was established using the soil small strain hardening model to examine the subway deep foundation pit project in the CBD (central business district) core area of Fuzhou Coastal New City, where the soil is mainly soft soil with high natural water content, high compressibility, and weak permeability. The model was verified against the theoretical solution of Melan, and the deformation characteristics of the cross-asymmetric foundation pit excavation were analyzed. The results show that, due to repeated disturbance from excavation and unloading between the foundation pits, the soil arching effect, and changes in the boundary conditions, the structure at the intersection and the surrounding soil interact. The horizontal displacement of the retaining structure and the surrounding surface settlement are quite different from those observed from a single foundation pit excavation. For instance, the maximum horizontal displacement of profile 1-3 in Zone I decreases by 26.1%, while the maximum horizontal displacement of profile 1-1 in Zone II increases by 20.4%, and the maximum surface settlement around the profiles also has similar characteristics. The disturbance on the retaining structure and soil in different areas at the intersection can be divided into positive and negative effects. The active range of the “disturbance influence zone” is determined: the foundation pit of Metro Line 6 is 3.5 He and the foundation pit of Metro Line F1 is 3.0 He. Finally, the influence of changes in the groundwater level on the active range of the “disturbance influence zone” is discussed.