Interaction of retaining structure with adjacent building: Multi-stage numerical analysis

Abstract

Large settlements induced to a multi-store building at the initiation of the construction of a diaphragm wall led to a demand of re-dimensioning the initial retaining measures. To achieve this target a multi-stage numerical analysis was carried out including the simulation of excavation using bentonite slurry and concreting stages. Appropriate pre-supporting measures were defined based on an iterative process in order to meet the demands of acceptable level of settlements. A steel tube curtain was applied to minimize the stress release due to unfavorable pressure differentiation. The instrumentation during construction and the comparison of the numerical prediction with the in situ measurements were quite helpful during the application of the proposed design. © 2012 Taylor & Francis Group.