Estimation of Design Parameters for Braced Excavation: Numerical Study

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of a numerical model for a braced excavation to estimate the various design parameters that significantly influence the excavation's behavior. The results of the numerical model were compared with those of a reported case study of a braced excavation in sand, and close agreement between the results was observed. The developed model is used for parametric study to show theinfluenceofdifferentdesignparameters,suchasstrutstiffness,wallthickness,strutarrangementandtheembeddeddepthofthewallonstrut force, maximum moment developed in the wall, maximum lateral displacement of the wall, and maximum vertical displacement of ground surface.Itwasfoundthat,amongallthecombinationsstudied,aparticulartypeofstrutarrangementforaparticularratioofembeddeddepthand excavation depth produces the best possible result. A design guideline is also presented based on the results of this numerical study. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000207. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers. CE Database subject headings: Bracing; Excavation; Displacement; Parameters; Struts; Walls; Bending; Numerical analysis. Author keywords: Braced excavation; FLAC; Stiffness; Displacement; Embedded depth; Design parameters; Strut force; Wall thickness; Wall bending moment.