Observed Behaviors of a Long and Deep Excavation Constructed by Cut-and-Cover Technique in Shanghai Soft Clay
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 1
Abstract
A 16–18 m deep excavation for a metro station with in-plane dimensions of approximately 20 m wide by 290 m long was constructed by using the cut-and-cover technique in soft clay in the Shanghai metropolitan area, in which many high-rise buildings and utilities exist. To investigate the performance of this deep excavation and the associated effect on the adjacent buildings and utility pipelines, a long-term comprehensive instrumentation program was conducted during construction. Field observations included deflections of diaphragm walls, vertical movements at wall tops, ground settlements, and settlements of surrounding buildings and utilities. Analyses of field data indicated that overexcavation (i.e., removing more soil than designed) and a long construction duration caused the diaphragm walls to develop substantial deflections. The base and middle floor slabs played dominant roles in suppressing postexcavation wall deflections and ground settlements. This excavation in general exhibited different behaviors than other excavation projects because of its relatively long shape. Behaviors of deep excavations in Shanghai soft clay are affected not only by construction duration (i.e., time effects), but also by their geometries (i.e., space effects). This project serves as a special case study and provides insights into the design and construction of a long and deep excavation that uses the cut-and-cover technique in soft soils and in a metropolitan environment.
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Acknowledgments
Many organizations contributed to the success of this project, and special thanks are owed to Shanghai Geotechnical Investigations & Design Institute Co., Ltd. for providing the detailed information of the soil conditions at the project site; Shanghai Institute of Geological Science (SIGS) for field data collection; and Dr. Ye Lu of Shanghai University for her substantial contributions to improve the quality of this paper. The financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NNSFCNSFC Grant No. 50908172 and No. NNSFC51109125) and Kwang-hua Funds for College of Civil Engineering at Tongji University are gratefully acknowledged. Finally, the two anonymous reviewers, the editor Dr. Iraj Noorany, and the editorial board members are sincerely appreciated for their great comments and suggestions, which substantially improved the presentation of this paper.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 1 • January 2012
Pages: 69 - 88
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 13, 2010
Accepted: Apr 12, 2011
Published online: Apr 14, 2011
Published in print: Jan 1, 2012
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