Abstract
This paper presents the results of a numerical analysis into undrained stability of conical excavation in multi-layered clays. Stability predictions for a wide range of geometric and material combinations are calculated by finite element analyses. The results from the present analysis are expressed in the familiar form of stability numbers reflecting the effect of (1) angle of inclination, (2) depth ratio, which is relative top layer thickness to excavation depth, (3) strength difference between two layers on the rigid base, (4) width ratio, which is excavation height to radius at the bottom of excavation, and (5) thickness ratio, which is the ratio of the excavation height to thickness of soil 1 layers. The obtained stability numbers are compared with existing solutions published in the literature. The failure mechanism in multi-layered clays are also discussed in terms of the displacement pattern.
Highlights
The unsupported excavations are commonly encountered in civil engineering projects.Slope instability failures pose serious threat to structures, as these failures may lead to great loss of lives and property [1]
The valuable parameters, which are (1) angle of inclination (β), (2) depth ratio (D/H), which is relative to the top layer thickness to excavation depth, (3) strength ratio, which is strength difference between two different layers on the rigid base, (4) width ratio (H/B), which is the excavation height to radius at the bottom of excavation, and (5) thickness ratio (T/H), which is the ratio of the excavation height to thickness of soil layers, are considered to confirm the stability
All results were performed with only one soil layer on the rigid base
Summary
The unsupported excavations are commonly encountered in civil engineering projects. Slope instability failures pose serious threat to structures, as these failures may lead to great loss of lives and property [1]. Predicting the stability of excavation is an important task for geotechnical engineers. The combined effects of geology, hydrology, and soil properties generally exist as stability issues. In order to design the excavation, more rigorous numerical modeling is needed, especially for large-scale complex projects. The performing numerical simulations are not always warranted or feasible because of time and cost constraints [2]. Stability numbers can be seen as convenient tools that provide an easier way to determine the factor of safety
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
