Stress Transfer and Deformation Mechanisms around a Diaphragm Wall Panel

Abstract

Practicing engineers and researchers are becoming aware of the importance of ground movements and stress changes in the ground that may occur during the construction of a diaphragm wall type of retaining walls. In this paper, the construction sequence of a typical diaphragm wall panel in stiff clay is fully simulated using a three-dimensional finite difference program. Computed results are compared with some reported results of centrifuge model tests and relevant case histories. It has been found that the influence zone due to the diaphragm wall panel installation falls within a normal distance of approximately one panel depth,