Foundation Engineering Foundation Engineering

Lecture # Lecture #31 31

Braced Cuts and Excavations
L. Prieto-Portar 2008
Deep excavations for large utilities, heavy rail transit lines and deep basements for
buildings typically require the shoring of vertical walls that may be 30 m deep or more.
Underground transportation routes (such as subways) commonly follow existing street
alignments, which permit the use of the cut-and-cover method of construction. In this
method the lateral walls are placed into the ground first (with sheet piling, slurry walls,
soil-cement mixing, etc.) followed by the open excavation of a limited length, say 300 m
long. Shortly after excavation, a roof is placed over the job site that permits the
restoration of traffic on the street above.
For buildings, a method called top-down construction permits the simultaneous work of
building the basements and foundations at the same time that the superstructure is erected. building the basements and foundations at the same time that the superstructure is erected.
Both methods rely on the ability of engineers to effectively brace the deep walls that
enclose the excavation. That is the subject of this lecture.
Some shallow temporary utility excavations are not anchored or braced.
This temporary excavation is protected
from collapse by a movable earth
shield. Temporary excavations kill
many workers each year, and these
movable shields are becoming very
popular with engineering contractors.
This photo shows a shield in a utility
trench dug to place a drainage
pipe at a depth of 15 feet. The pipe is
corrugated polyethylene 36 diameter.
A larger movable shield wall is used to place a 108 diameter water main.
This is a very
common setup for
deeper temporary
braced cuts.
The walls are steel
sheet piles,
supported with three
rows of horizontal
walers, and laterally
braced with WF braced with WF
struts.
Lateral Earth Pressures on Deep Walls.
Deep walls with multiple braces deflect differently than shallow un-braced retaining walls,
as illustrated in photos and figures of the next two slides. Retaining walls rotate about the
toe and experience most of their movement at the top. Deep multiply-braced walls
experience increasing movement with depth. This variation is complex, and a function of
many factors, such as depth, soil parameters, speed of construction, etc. Since there is very
little movement at the top of the wall, the lateral earth pressure h is essentially an at-rest o
pressure. Further down, wall movement towards the excavation signifies that the soil
behind the wall enters an increasing active a pressure.
Karl Terzaghi proposed in 1943 a general wedge theory that estimates the total lateral force Karl Terzaghi proposed in 1943 a general wedge theory that estimates the total lateral force
Fh on the wall by assuming that the failure surface is the arc of a logarithmic spiral, where
the radius r = ro
e( tan )
from the spiral centroid.
The total lateral force F on the wall is located at a distance 0.33H from the toe (from the
bottom of excavation), whereas braced walls total lateral force F may range from 0.3 to 0.6
of H. Their failure modes differ considerably.
Few structures are actually analyzed via Terzaghi's formula, which may however be
suitable for use with a computer code that will test a multitude of wedges to select the Fmax.
A simpler analytical alternative was offered by Ralph Peck in 1969 via three typical
apparent pressure envelopes.
The difference between the failure mechanisms of a retaining wall and a multi-braced wall.
The Terzaghi failure mechanism for a multi-braced wall.
In the event the backfill has layers of both granular and cohesive soils, Peck proposed a
transformation of the granular layers into equivalent single cohesive layer via the formula,
cavg = 0.5H [
sand
K
a
H
2
sand tan
sand
+ (H Hsand )n' q
u
]
where qu is the unconfined compression strength of clay and n' is a coefficient of progressive
failure (that ranges from 0.5 < n' < 1.0).
A similar calculation for the average unit weight
avg
is,
avg = 1/H [sHs + (H - Hs) c]
where c is the saturated unit weight of clay.
Once all the granular layers are transformed to equivalent cohesive layers, the overall value of
cohesion for the entire backfill is found from,
n
Cavg = 1/H (c1H1 + c2H2 + .......... + cnHn) = 1/H ciHi
i
and for the unit weight avg,
n
avg = 1/H ( 1H1 + 2H2 + .......... + nHn) = 1/H iHi
i
Figure 8
A similar calculation for the average unit weight avg is = 1/H [ s Hs + (H-Hs) c]
where c is the saturated unit weight of the clay.
Once all the granular layer(s) are transformed to the equivalent cohesive layer(s), the overall
value of cohesion for the entire backfill is found from,
cavg = 1/H (c1h1 +c2H2 + ................................... cnHn)
and for the unit weight, avg.
avg. = 1/H (1H1 + 2H2 + ............................... nHn)
A typical excavation to bury a utility may require several levels of horizontal struts. When the
soil in back of the wall is a sand, the pressure pa will be uniform from top to bottom, with a value
of pa = 0.65 H Ka.
The Construction of Deep Excavations.
From shallow excavations (for utilities) to very deep (up to 40 m) for tall buildings, it is
required to stabilize the areas immediately around them, against:
1) Lowered bearing capacity;
2) Additional settlements (H);
3) Lateral settlements (x and y); and
4) Vibrations that cause damage.
A stabilized excavation has three elements:
1) A wall;
2) A retention system; and
3) A controlling and a monitoring system. 3) A controlling and a monitoring system.
The wall could be built by:
1) Sheet piling (steel, plastic or reinforced concrete).
2) Soldier piles with or without lagging.
3) Drilled in-place piles.
4) Poured in-place concrete panel walls (slurry walls).
The retention system could be:
1) Wales supported by horizontal struts or diagonal rakers.
2) Tiebacks or ground anchors.
3) Compression rings.
Strut spacing is
Wale
Lagging
(2x6,2x8,etc)
Strut
Vertical strut
spacing depends
on tolerable
lateral movement
and pile section
Beam or pile
Wales
Lagging
Strut
Plan view for a soldier pile and lagging wall
Strut spacing is
variable depending
on tolerable lateral
movements and
wale strength.
Strut
Wale
Elevation view for a soldier pile and lagging wall
Strut
Wall constructed of
arch web piles.
Strut
Wale
Spacing as for
soldier beams
For shallow
Space as required.
Depth to first raker
depends on the pile
section and tolerable
lateral movements.
Wale
Plan view for a sheet piling wall.
Strut
For shallow
excavations, wales
and rakers may be
omitted.
Elevation view for a sheet piling wall.
Rakers
Pecks Design Pressure Envelopes.
pa 0.3 H
pa = H [1 4 c / H]
The pressure against the walls in dense sands: pa = 0.65 H Ka
where Ka = tan
2
(45 - /2)
A clay is considered soft to medium if: H / c > 4, then
pa = H [1 4 c / H] or 0.3 H whichever is greater.
A clay is considered stiff if: H / c 4 , then pa 0.3 H.
When there are several layers of sand and clays, the averaged properties are,
c = 1/(2H) [ s Ks (Hs)
2
tan(s) + (H - Hs)0.75 q ] cavg = 1/(2H) [ s Ks (Hs)
2
tan(s) + (H - Hs)0.75 qu]
avg = 1/H [s Hs + (H - Hs) c]
where c is the saturated unit weight of the clay layer.
For multiple clay layers
N N
cavg = 1/H (ci Hi) and avg = 1/H ( i Hi)
i i
Analysis of Strut (or Anchor) Loads.
The minimum vertical spacing for struts (and anchors) is between 2.0 to 3.0 m. The advan-
tages of anchors over struts are (1) they permit to have uncluttered excavations, and (2) struts
are axial and bending load limited by their slenderness ratios l / r. The location of the topmost
brace in cohesive soils (strut or anchor) should be at a distance d1 from the top that is less than
the depth Zc of tensile cracking of the clay soil.
The determination of brace loads is as follows:
1. Establish a pressure envelope on wall;
2. Struts and anchors are assumed to be hinged at the wall, except for topmost and 2. Struts and anchors are assumed to be hinged at the wall, except for topmost and
lowest levels (ie. A and D in Figure);
3. Separate the loads into 2 supported segments, as shown in Figure;
4. Calculate the strut bracing loads via,
FA = A s
FB = (B1 + B2)(s)
FC = (C1 + C2)(s)
FD = D(s)
5. Knowing the bracing loads, prepare a shear and a moment diagram to design the
steel struts or anchors.
Analysis of wales.
If struts are used, their capacity to properly carry the horizontal loads at each level is enhanced
through the use of horizontal steel members against the wall called wales or walers. Their
design is based on an analysis of their maximum bending moments Mmax, such that:
for wales at level A: Mmax = [A s
2
] / 8
for wales at level B: Mmax = [(B1 + B2) s
2
] / 8
for wales at level C: Mmax = [(C1 + C2) s
2
] / 8
for wales at level D: Mmax = [D s
2
] / 8
From these maximum moments, the section modulii are found for each level from, From these maximum moments, the section modulii are found for each level from,
S = Mmax / all for steel
Analysis of the Retaining Wall.
Each section of the wall in Figure 32.8 is analyzed to determine its maximum bending
moment Mmax. Depending on the materials of the wall (steel sheet piling, cast-in-place
concrete, drilled shafts, etc.), the section modulus S is then determined and hence the wall
thickness, reinforcement, etc.
Example #1. Analyze and design a wall and a multiple bracing system for the excavation
shown below. Use a spacing s = 10 feet for the horizontal struts.
Clay
= 0
= 112 pcf
c = 700 pcf c = 700 pcf
Sheet piling
Step 1. Select the suitable pressure diagram.
H/c = (112 lb/ft
3
)(20ft) / 700 lb/ft
2
= 3.2 < 4 the soil is a stiff clay
pa = 0.3 H = 0.3(0.112 k/ft
3
)(20ft) = 0.672 ksf
Step 2. Determine the loads in each strut.
Draw the pressure diagram along the entire depth of the wall (draw sideways below for
convenience).
Set B = B1 + B2
+ MB1 = 0 therefore -A(7) + 1/2 (5)(0.672)(5+5/3) + (5)(0.672)(5/2) = 0
A = 2.80 kip/ft
Fv = 0 A + B1 = (5)(0.672) + 1/2(5)(0.672)
B1 = 2.24 kips/ft
and by symmetry, B2 = 2.24 kips/ft, and C = 2.80 kips/ft
Therefore, the loads (force) in each strut (spaced at 10 feet center-to-center) is,
Fa = A s = (2.80 k/ft)(10 ft) = 28.0 kips
Fb = (B1 + B2) s = (2)(2.24 k/ft)(10) = 44.8 kips Fb = (B1 + B2) s = (2)(2.24 k/ft)(10) = 44.8 kips
Fc = C s = (2.80 k/ft)(10 ft) = 28.0 kips
Step 3. Design the struts.
Use the strut at B (the highest load) for the design with kL = 20 feet.
One possible solution is a steel pipe with a 3 diameter and 0.6 thick walls, which provides a
capacity of 60 kips.
Alternatively, a W10 x 33 provides a capacity of 105 kips, therefore FS >2.
Step 4. Design the sheet piles.
To find the location of the maximum moment find where the shear = 0,
x = 2.24 kips / (0.672 k-ft) = 3.33 ft.
Mmax occurs at E = (2.24 k)(3.33 ft) - (0.672 k-ft)(3.33 ft.)(3.33ft/2) = 3.73 k-ft./ft of wall.
The required section modulus of sheet piling S = Mmax/ fall = (3.73 k-ft)(12 in/ft)/(20 k/in
2
)
= 2.2 in
3
/ft of wall.
Could choose a PSA28 which provides a S = 2.5 in
3
/ft of wall.
The PSA28 steel sheet pile cross-section.
Step 5. Design the waler.
At the reaction at B,
Mmax = (B1 +B2)(s
2
) / 8 = (2)(2.24 k-ft)(10 ft)
2
/ 8 = 56 kip-ft.
the required section modulus S = M max / fall = (56 k-ft)(12 in/ft) / (20 k/in
2
) = 33.6 in
3
.
Suggest the use of a W12 x 36, which provide a S = 46 in
3
.
Example #2.
Analyze and design a wall and a multiple bracing system for the excavation shown below. Use a
spacing s = 3 m for the horizontal struts.
Step 1. Determine the lateral pressure pa on the wall.
First check the ratio [H] / c = [18 kN/m
3
(7 m)] / 35 kN/m
2
= 3.6 < 4
Therefore the soil behaves as a stiff clay, and its "apparent" pressure is,
pa = 0.3H = 0.3(18 kN/m
3
)(7 m) = 37.8 kN/m
2
.
Step 2. Determine the strut loads A, B and C.
MB1 = 0 A(2.5) - 0.5(37.8)(1.75)(1.75 + 1.75/3) - (1.75)(37.8)(1.75/2) = 0
A = 54.0 kN/m = C (by symmetry)
Fy = 0 0.5(1.75)(37.8) + (37.8)(1.75) - A - B1 = 0
+
B1 = 45.2 kN/m = B2 (by symmetry)
The loads in the struts,
FA = 54.0 kN/m (3 m) = 162 kN on the A-level struts
FB = 45.2 kN/m (2)(3 m) = 271 kN on the B-level struts FB = 45.2 kN/m (2)(3 m) = 271 kN on the B-level struts
FC = = 162 kN on the C-level struts
Step 3. Design the struts.
The B-level struts carry the largest loads (271 kN), and have an effective length KL = 6 m.
Refer to AISC's Manual of Steel Construction and select a W250 mm x 49 kg/m for an fy =
248 MN/m
2
, or a steel pipe with a diameter = 75 mm (and a wall thickness t = 15 mm).
Step 4. Design the steel sheetpiling wall.
Locate the point of zero shear, which corresponds to the location of the maximum moment,
The shear is zero at a distance x from strut B1 (ie. point E in figure),
x = (FB1)/(pa) = (45.2 kN/m)/(37.8 kN/m2) = 1.2 m
The maximum moment occurs at E,
Mmax = - FB1 x + pa (x/2) = - (45.2 kN)(1.2 m) + (37.8 kN/m
2
)(1/2)(1.2 m)
2
= - 54.2 + 27.2 = - 27 kN-m
The section modulus S, of the sheet-piling is,
S = Mmax / all = [27 kN-m]/ [0.6(248 MN/m
2
)]
S = 18 x 10
-5
m
3
/m of wall
Choose a PMA-22 with S = 29 x 10
-5
m
3
/m.
Step 5. Design the wale at the B-level.
Mmax = [(B1 + B2) S2]/8 = [90.4 kN)(3 m)2]/8 = 101.7 kN-m
The required section modulus S = Mmax / all = [101.7 KN-m]/[0.6(248 MN/m
2
) The required section modulus S = Mmax / all = [101.7 KN-m]/[0.6(248 MN/m
2
)
S = 68 x 10
-5
m
3
/m of wall
The use of a W310 mm x 54 kg/m with S
x
= 75 x 10
-5
m
3
/m, shows an un-braced length
L
u
= 4.085 m (reference to the AISC Manual).
Notice the two struts
bracing the opening of
this utility tunnel.
A permanent
strut braced
retaining wall
built for the
underground
Alameda
railroad
corridor from
Long Beach
to Los
Angeles.
Anchors versus rakers support soldier pile walls.
This ventilation and access shaft for a transit tunnel shows the large steel compression rings that
brace the steel bulkhead.
A 19 acre landslide in Manoa Valley, Hawaii, is stabilized with 1000 soil anchors, each 100 ft long, and
vertical groundwater drains. The 120 home development was placed over a 10 degree slope, which started
to move during a severe storm in 1988. Water from aquifers and broken water mains worsened the ground
movement. The 100 ft anchors are held at the surface by concrete cap blocks set at 40 and 50 degrees from
the hillside slope to form a Vshape beneath the ground, installed by Schnabel Foundation (CE Sept. 1998).
This retaining wall was placed
underground using the soil mixing
technique. This method was originated
by the Japanese firm Seiko, and has
been modified by the US firms
Howard Baker and Schnabel.
www.schnabel.com
Another example of large steel I-beams used as temporary raker supports of the wall.
An anchored slurry wall nest to the Hudson River, by Hoboken, New Jersey.
This historic industrial plant was preserved and protected against collapse into a new excavation
with a soldier pile and wood lagging wall.
This motorway over the Alps, built from Salzburg to Klagenfurt had serious rock falls and sliding slopes
near Flachau, Austria. It was stabilized by Bauer AG using over 100 anchors, each 60 m deep and
carrying a load of 1,200 kN each. The anchors penetrated rock, gravel, sand, silt and clay strata.
The Stability of Braced Excavations.
Bottom Heave.
Relief of the loads upon deep clay layers during excavation creates large bulging at the center,
and the possibility of flow or creep of the clay into the excavation.
The vertical load Q per unit length of cut at the level of the bottom of the cut along the line
bd and af, Q = H (0.7B) - cH
But,
5.7c(0.7B) (0.7B) cN Q c ult = =
cH - H(0.7B)
) 7 . 0 ( 7 . 5
Q
Q
FS
u
heave) (against

B c
= =
H
cN
FS Eide - Bjerrum
c

=
For long cuts and increases to
0
L
B
5.14 Nc =
7.60 Nc =
7
7.5
8
8.5
9
N
c
L/B= infinity
L/B=3
L/B=2
L/B=1
5
5.5
6
6.5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
H/B
L/B=1