Stability Analysis of Slurry Trenches

Abstract

A brief treatise of the mechanics of stability aspects of slurry trenches excavated in short panels is presented. Three case histories of slurry trench excavation including two failures are described and back‐analyzed by arching theory. Some existing analytical methods for trench stability are shown to be conservative in predicting earth pressures. Special emphasis is made on the subject of stability of slurry trenches subjected to heavy surcharge load, such as from adjoining and adjacent foundations. A design procedure is proposed for such loading conditions without undue conservatism by taking into consideration the redistribution of surcharge load to soil adjacent to the excavation and the redistribution of stresses in the building structure.