Three Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Deep Excavations’ Concave Corners

Abstract

The behavior of deep excavation’s retaining structures may become rather complex near the corners. The vicinity of concave corners is an especially problematic zone, and causes numerous problems in everyday practice. Conventional 2D analyses considering axisymmetric or plane strain conditions cannot be used in such cases due the spatial nature of the problem. A set of three dimensional finite element analyses have been performed aiming better understanding of soil and structure behavior near excavations’ concave corners and evaluating the influence of corner angle. The bending moment arising in anisotropic diaphragm walls near the concave corners are summarized, and compared to 2D plane strain and axisymmetric results.