Parametric Response Estimation Study on Cantilevered and Strutted Diaphragm Walls: Fid-Bau Portal

Parametric Response Estimation Study on Cantilevered and Strutted Diaphragm Walls

James, Anu / Kurian, Babu

Diaphragm walls are ideal solution for the productive utilisation of underground space to meet the modern-day demands of infrastructural development. The selection of appropriate wall and support configurations has a substantial impact on the economy, time and performance. Unsatisfactory implementation of such retaining systems during or after construction may cause heavy causalities. The practical significance of excavation induced deformations is large due to its potential damage to adjacent structures. Hence, reliable estimates of excavation related responses are vital for construction and implementation of diaphragm wall projects. Numerical studies performed to understand the effects of factors such as ground characteristics, excavation geometry and support criteria in the response of diaphragm walls are presented here. Detailed parametric analysis is conducted to comprehend the combined effects of these factors on both cantilevered and strutted diaphragm walls. Walls embedded in cohesive and non-cohesive backfills with varying groundwater locations are considered. Properties of struts and their influence on excavation geometries for various ground characteristics are assessed. Studies are performed to obtain the most effective combinations of excavation and embedded depths for cantilevered diaphragm walls. Numerical analysis was conducted using finite element software Plaxis 2D and values of lateral deflections, normal forces, bending moments, shear forces and axial strut forces are computed. Comparative charts are drawn to demonstrate the variations of wall responses with different combinations of influencing factors. Ideal wall and support configurations for any given ground conditions and excavation geometry can be perceived from the charts enabling fast and cost-effective implementation of projects.