Estimation of Design Parameters for Braced Excavation: Numerical Study

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of a numerical model for a braced excavation to estimate the various design parameters that significantly influence the excavation's behavior. The results of the numerical model were compared with those of a reported case study of a braced excavation in sand, and close agreement between the results was observed. The developed model is used for parametric study to show the influence of different design parameters, such as strut stiffness, wall thickness, strut arrangement and the embedded depth of the wall on strut force, maximum moment developed in the wall, maximum lateral displacement of the wall, and maximum vertical displacement of ground surface. It was found that, among all the combinations studied, a particular type of strut arrangement for a particular ratio of embedded depth and excavation depth produces the best possible result. A design guideline is also presented based on the results of this numerical study.