Hazard Reduction in Deep Excavations Execution

Abstract

In this article, the authors consider a completely new approach in design, which is related to the use of previously un-adapted technologies known to bridge engineering in geotechnical issues for prestressing of diaphragm wall during deep excavations execution. The bridge technology described here is the prestressing of concrete structures. Hazards related to deep excavations and methods of digging them, such as the ceiling method and top&down method, are presented. Current problems in supporting deep excavation slopes are related to the use of extensive quantities of materials (such as steel struts, ground anchors, or concrete and reinforcement steel). The authors’ method helps to achieve a higher level of sustainability, which is important in a modern approach to geotechnical engineering. The non-linear arrangements of the cables according to the occurrence of the prestressing moments for a given phase are presented. Results related to numerical analysis—showing the correctness of the method and cost optimization results, showing possible savings are presented. The article is a part of the set. In the second (already published) article titled “Modern Methods of Diaphragm Walls Design”, the authors present the concept of the calculation methodology for diaphragm wall design.