Effect of cross wall on the strut forces for braced excavations in clays

Abstract

This study evaluates and estimates the effect of cross walls on the strut force for braced excavation in clays by using three-dimensional finite element analysis. A well-documented case history of a braced excavation with cross walls was utilized to validate the numerical analysis. Furthermore, a series of parametric studies were conducted to evaluate the distribution of strut force by considering different schematics of cross walls. The results revealed that implementing cross walls inside the excavation could significantly reduce the wall deformation and strut force along the wall section, particularly for the location near cross walls. In addition, a new empirical method was proposed to estimate the maximum strut force based on the apparent earth pressure for braced excavation with cross walls, which was verified through case histories. Finally, this study concluded that the existence of cross walls in braced excavations could ensure a safer bracing system and excavation design.