DeepEX User Manual 2018

DEEPEX 2018 – USER’S MANUAL

USER’ S MANUAL
DeepEX software program (Version 2018)
Version 18.0.0.1
Issued: 15-Jan-2018
Deep Excavation LLC

www.deepexcavation.com
DEEP EXCAVATION 1


Table of Contents

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO DeepEX ...................................................................................................... 5
1.1 About DeepEX (Deep Excavation Engineering Program) ..................................................................... 6
1.2 Software Compatibility & Installation ................................................................................................. 7
1.3 Support & Technical Assistance........................................................................................................... 7
1.4 DeepEX training and examples ........................................................................................................... 7
1.5 End User License Agreement .............................................................................................................. 8
1.6 What is new! ..................................................................................................................................... 12
1.7 Activating the software ..................................................................................................................... 13
1.7.1 Activating the stand-alone license ............................................................................................. 13
CHAPTER 2: USING DeepEX ......................................................................................................................... 14
2.1 Deep Excavations Background .......................................................................................................... 15
2.1.1. Background ................................................................................................................................... 15
2.1.2. Retaining systems for deep excavations ....................................................................................... 16
2.1.2. A. Soldier Pile and Lagging Walls .............................................................................................. 16
2.1.2. B. Sheet Pile Walls ..................................................................................................................... 18
2.1.2. C. Secant Pile Walls ................................................................................................................... 19
2.1.2. D. Soil Mix Walls ........................................................................................................................ 20
2.1.2. E. Diaphragm Walls (Slurry walls US) ........................................................................................ 21
2.1.3 Support systems for deep excavations ........................................................................................... 22
2.1.3. A. Tiebacks/Rock Anchors ......................................................................................................... 22
2.1.3. B. Cross-lot/Internal Bracing ..................................................................................................... 24
2.1.3. C. Top/Down Construction ........................................................................................................ 25
2.2 Using DeepEX .................................................................................................................................... 27
2.3.1 DeepEX Toolbar Functions ............................................................................................................. 29
2.3.2 Wall List, Design Section List, Project Tree View and 3D Model .................................................... 33
2.4 General menu .................................................................................................................................... 36
2.5 Seismic menu .................................................................................................................................... 74
2.6 Analysis menu ................................................................................................................................... 78
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2.7 Slope Stability menu ....................................................................................................................... 101
2.8 Stability+ menu ............................................................................................................................... 107
2.9 Design menu ................................................................................................................................... 113
2.10 Results menu ................................................................................................................................. 119
2.11 Report menu ................................................................................................................................. 121
2.12 View menu .................................................................................................................................... 124
2.13 Optimize menu .............................................................................................................................. 125
2.14 Help menu ..................................................................................................................................... 129
CHAPTER 3: DATA ENTRY ........................................................................................................................... 134
3.1 Data entry: General ......................................................................................................................... 135
3.2 Design codes ................................................................................................................................... 136
3.3 Data entry: Project information ...................................................................................................... 141
3.4 Data entry: Soil Data ....................................................................................................................... 142
3.5 Data entry: Soil Layers ..................................................................................................................... 150
3.6 Data entry: Water ............................................................................................................................ 153
3.7 Data entry: Wall data ...................................................................................................................... 154
3.7.1 Data entry: Wall sections ......................................................................................................... 156
3.7.2 Wall type: Soldier piles ............................................................................................................. 163
3.7.3 Wall type: Sheet piles ............................................................................................................... 170
3.7.4 Wall type: Secant - tangent piles .............................................................................................. 173
3.7.5 Wall type: Diaphragm walls (slurry walls US) ........................................................................... 179
3.7.6 Wall type: Soldier pile and tremied concrete walls ................................................................. 183
3.7.7 Wall type: Custom .................................................................................................................... 184
3.7.8 Wall type: Combined walls ....................................................................................................... 186
3.7.9 Wall type: Box Sheet Pile walls ................................................................................................ 187
3.8 Data entry: Ground Anchors ........................................................................................................... 188
3.8.1 Data entry: Tiebacks ................................................................................................................. 188
3.8.2 Data entry: Tieback sections .................................................................................................... 190
3.8.3 Data entry: Helical anchor sections ......................................................................................... 194
3.9 Data entry: Strut sections ............................................................................................................... 196
3.9.1 Mechanical and Hydraulic Strut sections ................................................................................. 199
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3.10 Data entry: Slab sections and slab supports ................................................................................. 206
3.11 Data entry: Fixed supports ............................................................................................................ 209
3.12 Data entry: Springs ........................................................................................................................ 209
3.13 Data entry: Slope Stability ......................................................................................................... 210
3.13.1 Slope Stability Analysis ........................................................................................................... 210
3.13.2 Soil nailing .............................................................................................................................. 223
3.14 Data entry: Wale beams ............................................................................................................ 229
3.15 Data entry: Heel blocks (passive heel blocks)............................................................................ 239
3.16 Data entry: Waler supports ....................................................................................................... 241
CHAPTER 4: MODIFYING MODELS & VIEWING RESULTS .......................................................................... 245
4.1 Modifying surface elevations .......................................................................................................... 246
4.2 Adding supports graphically ............................................................................................................ 250
4.3 Adding Surcharges Graphically ........................................................................................................ 253
4.4 Viewing Results on Main Form........................................................................................................ 255
4.5 Report Options (Printed Reports) ................................................................................................... 261
4.6 Footing Loads (3-Dimensional Loads) ............................................................................................. 263
4.7 Buildings, Building Wizard and Building Damage Assessment Module .......................................... 266
4.8 Surcharge load options ................................................................................................................... 273
4.9 Project cost module ........................................................................................................................ 277
4.10 3D Model in DeepEX (3D Frame Analysis Module) ....................................................................... 286
4.11 Export drawings in DXF (DXF Module) .......................................................................................... 303
4.12 Gravity walls in DeepEX (Gravity walls module)............................................................................ 312

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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO DeepEX

DEEP EXCAVATION 5


1.1 About DeepEX (Deep Excavation Engineering Program)
DeepEX is a user friendly robust software program that evaluates and aids the design of deep
excavations. The design of deep excavations can be a very complicated matter. The designer has
to content with many unknowns and factors that influence the behavior of the excavation.
Typically, there are two systems in excavations that must be designed: A) the Earth Retention
System that contains the earth i.e. the support wall (sheet pile, diaphragm wall, etc.), and b) the
Support System (i.e. the internal or external bracing such as rakers, struts, or tiebacks) that
supports the earth retention system.
Performing detailed calculations for both systems can be a very time-consuming process,
especially when parameters must be changed. In addition, many current software programs do
not offer an integrated platform of structural and geotechnical analyses required to design deep
excavations. As a result, the designer is forced to use numerous software programs to analyze the
excavation and the structural system separately. Apart from finite element analyses, there are
very few theoretical solutions for calculating lateral soil pressures from complex surface profiles.
Furthermore, the designer must save under different filenames the different stages of the same
excavation. As a result, the whole process can become unnecessarily complicated and time
consuming. DeepEX addresses most of these issues and provides an integrated structural and
geotechnical platform for designing deep excavations.
The current version of DeepEX offers both traditional methods of analyses and discrete soil
spring solutions. Finite Element Analysis Method is available as an additional module in DeepEX
software. While it is generally accepted that traditional methods of analysis have obvious
limitations in predicting real behavior accurately, they are important for framing the problem and
providing a back-check for more rigorous finite element methods. Soil spring solutions can give a
better approximation to real wall behavior. The beauty of DeepEX is that it can perform both
traditional and spring analyses so efficiently that it leaves the designer with ample time to
perform more time consuming finite element analysis.

DEEP EXCAVATION 6


1.2 Software Compatibility & Installation

DeepEX is compatible with Windows (OS) XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10. A minimum of 380 Mb must be
available on your hard disk.
1.3 Support & Technical Assistance

Support and technical assistance for DeepEX is offered through our web site at:
www.deepexcavation.com
Please send us any question at: support@deepexcavation.com
1.4 DeepEX training and examples

You can find extensive examples and videos in our official websites (www.deepexcavation.com
and www.deepex.com).
For examples please visit:

www.deepex.com/training/examples
www.deepexcavation.com/en/examples-2015
For training videos, please visit:
www.deepex.com/training/training_videos
Projects designed with DeepEX:
DeepEX is used as a main deep excavation design tool by many engineers and companies
worldwide. As a result, a lot of projects (more than 10000 projects worldwide) have been
designed with our software program (Southeastern Asia, North America, Australia, Europe etc.).
All the projects that are designed with DeepEX met the requirements of the relevant DOTs.
DeepEX is used by major companies in US (i.e. Hayward Baker, Langan, CH2M, Skanska, Mountain
Pacific, Arup, Schnabel etc.).
You can find details of some of our projects and clients in our websites, using the following links:
https://www.deepex.com/projects/projects_with_deepex
http://www.deepexcavation.com/en/deep-excavation-library
Software training/online presentations:
We can always arrange a free online presentation (up to one hour), where we can present the
main features and capabilities of our software. Extensive training (online or on spot) can be
arranged upon request. The cost of the full training course can be defined according to your
needs. To arrange a presentation and for additional information, please contact:
mamoglou@deepexcavation.com
DEEP EXCAVATION 7


1.5 End User License Agreement

"TERMS OF USE / LICENSE AGREEMENT"
This legal document is an agreement between you (the end user) and Deep Excavation. BY
CONTINUING WITH/OPENING/DOWNLOADING THIS SOFTWARE PROGRAM, YOU ARE AGREEING
TO BECOME BOUND BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, WHICH INCLUDES THE SOFTWARE
LICENSE, SOFTWARE DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY, AND HARDWARE LIMITED WARRANTY
"collectively the "Agreement".
This agreement constitutes the complete agreement between you and Deep Excavation. IF YOU
DO NOT AGREE TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, DO NOT CONTINUE WITH THIS SOFTWARE
PROGRAM. Promptly return or delete the software program (cd and jewel case) and other items
that are part of this product to Deep Excavation, for a complete refund if a purchasing fee was
charged.
DEEP EXCAVATION ENGINEERING PROGRAM,"SOFTWARE LICENSE", APPLICABLE TO ALL

VERSIONS
THE LICENCE APPLIES TO PURCHASHED AND FREE OF PURCHASE VERSIONS OF THE DEEP
EXCAVATION SOFTWARE.
LICENSE. In consideration of payment of the LICENSE fee, which is a part of the price you paid for
this product, Deep Excavation, as Licensor grants to you, the LICENSEE, a nonexclusive right to
use and display this copy of Deep Excavation Engineering Program, Software (hereinafter referred
to as "SOFTWARE" on a single COMPUTER (i.e., with a single CPU) at a single location. Any
"networking", namely operating this program on a "network" is strictly forbidden. You as a
Licensee are strictly forbidden to operate, utilize, transfer, distribute, connect, network, link to,
attach, or operate in any manner this software on the internet, worldwide web, via email, any
website, networking, any multimedia device, electronic or otherwise or any form of electronic
media whatsoever. This includes but is not limited to the written materials, results, output, or
resulting answers and/or printed matter without the prior written consent of Deep Excavation.
Deep Excavation reserves all rights not expressly granted to LICENSEE.
SOFTWARE OWNERSHIP. As the LICENSEE, you own the magnetic or other physical media on
which the SOFTWARE is originally or subsequently recorded or fixed, however, Deep Excavation
retains title and ownership of the SOFTWARE recorded on the original disk copy(ies) and any
subsequent copies of the SOFTWARE, regardless of the form or media in or on which the original
and other copies may exist. This License is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE or any copy
thereof.
DEEP EXCAVATION 8


COPY AND/OR MODIFY RESTRICTIONS. All Licensed Products are copyrighted and may not be
further copied, without the prior written approval of Deep Excavation except that You may make
one copy for backup purposes provided You reproduce and include the complete copyright
notice, disclaimer, etc., on the backup copy. Any unauthorized copying is in violation of this
Agreement and also a violation of the United States Copyright law. You may not use, transfer,
modify, copy of otherwise reproduce the License Product, or any part of it, except as expressly
permitted in this End User License Agreement.
USE RESTRICTIONS. As the LICENSEE, you may physically transfer the SOFTWARE from one
computer to another provided that the SOFTWARE is used on only one computer at a time. You
may not electronically transfer the SOFTWARE from one computer to another over a network.
You may not distribute copies of the SOFTWARE or accompanying written materials to others. You
may not operate, utilize, transfer, distribute, connect, network, link to, attach, or operate in any
manner this software on the internet, worldwide web, via email, any website, networking, any
multimedia device, electronic or otherwise or any form of electronic media whatsoever. You may
not modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works
based on the SOFTWARE. In addition, you may not modify, adapt, translate, or create derivative
works based on the written materials, results, output, or resulting answers and/or printed matter
without the prior written consent of Deep Excavation.
RESTRICTIONS AGAINST TRANSFER. This SOFTWARE is licensed only to you, the LICENSEE, and
may not be transferred to anyone without the prior written consent of DEEP EXCAVATION. Any
authorized transferee of the SOFTWARE shall be bound by the terms and conditions of this
Agreement. In no event may you transfer, assign, copy, rent, lease, sell, or dispose of the
SOFTWARE in any manner on a temporary or permanent basis except as expressly provided
herein.
TERM. This End User License Agreement is effective from the date of purchase by You or granting
to you of the Licensed Product and shall remain in force until terminated. You may terminate this
End User License Agreement at any time by destroying the Licensed Product together with any
backup copy in any form made by You or received by You. In addition, your right to use the
Licensed Product will terminate if You fail to comply with any of the terms or conditions of this
End User License Agreement. Upon such termination You shall destroy the copies of the Licensed
Product in your possession.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITED WARRANTY
DEEP EXCAVATION 9


THE SOFTWARE AND ACCOMPANYING WRITTEN MATERIALS (INCLUDING RESTRICTIONS FOR USE)
IF ANY, ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. FURTHER, DEEP EXCAVATION
DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE, OR
THE RESULTS OF THIS USE, OF THE SOFTWARE OR WRITTEN MATERIALS IN TERMS OF
CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHERWISE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO
THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE IS ASSUMED BY YOU
. Deep Excavation warrants to the original LICENSEE (a) the disk(s) on which the SOFTWARE is
recorded to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for
a period of sixty (60) days from the date of delivery as evidenced by a copy of the receipt. In
addition, Deep Excavation hereby limits the duration of any implied warranty(ies) on the disk or
such hardware to the respective period stated above.
Deep Excavation's entire liability and your exclusive remedy as to the disk(s) or hardware shall be,
at Deep Excavation's option, either (1) return of the purchase price or (2) replacement of the disk
or hardware that does not meet Deep Excavation's Limited Warranty and which is returned to
Deep Excavation with a copy of the receipt. If failure of the disk or hardware has resulted from
accident, abuse or misapplication, Deep Excavation shall have no responsibility to replace the disk
or hardware or refund the purchase price. Any replacement disk or hardware will be warranted
for the remainder of the original warranty period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer.
THE ABOVE ARE THE ONLY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE THAT ARE MADE BY DEEP EXCAVATION ON THIS PRODUCT. NO ORAL OR
WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY DEEP EXCAVATION, ITS DEALERS, DISTRIBUTORS,
AGENTS, OR EMPLOYEES SHALL CREATE A WARRANTY OR IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF
THIS WARRANTY, AND YOU MAY NOT RELY ON ANY SUCH INFORMATION OR ADVICE.
NEITHER DEEP EXCAVATION NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CREATION,
PRODUCTION, OR DELIVERY OF THIS PRODUCT SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, AND THE LIKE) ARISING
OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH PRODUCT EVEN IF DEEP EXCAVATION HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN ALL CASES A LICENCED PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEER SHALL APPROVE AND STAMP ANY RESULTS BY D.E.E.P. AND THAT ENGINEER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENCES OR MISUSE OF THE SOFTWARE.
This Disclaimer of Warranty and Limited Warranty is governed by the laws of the State of New
York. Should you have any questions regarding this agreement please email:
DEEP EXCAVATION 10


Deep Excavation,
deepexcavation@deepexcavation.com
DEEP EXCAVATION 11


1.6 What is new!

The latest version of DeepEX 2018 comes with many exciting new features that include:
i. Improved speech recognition commands and interactions.
ii. DXF drawings for plan views, elevation drawings to DXF.
From plan view and 3D model, export drawings to DXF. Elevation drawings to be added
soon in a free upgrade
iii. Support points for struts in plan-view.
Provide intermediate supports in the 3D plan view for struts to reduce the unbraced
length.
iv. Reductions in axial loads on walers (3D).
Reduce the axial force on walers due to static friction.
v. Improved report output: Condensed quick input/output summary.
vi. Structural Steel Code Updates: AISC 2016.
vii. New Wall Types: Secant walls with different reinforcement for main & secondary piles.
viii. Automatic optimization with depth change for supports.
DeepEX will vary the support elevation to achieve minimal wall moment, or cost (for 1
support level).
ix. Distribution load approach on surcharge for 3D loads.
x. Soil mix block walls.
xi. Base resistance for wall embedment safety factor calculations when embedded walls are
end bearing.
xii. Inclined walls from vertical axis.
xiii. CIRIA recommendations.
Additional options for recent CIRIA C760 publication such as geotechnical axial capacity of
walls.
xiv. New water flow analysis options.
xv. New diagnostic features added.

DEEP EXCAVATION 12


1.7 Activating the software
1.7.1 Activating the stand-alone license
To activate the license, the following steps are required:
1) Download and install the software.
2) Keep the SHIFT key pressed (or CAPS locked) and start DeepEX 2018
3) The activation window should appear (Figure 1.6.1).
4) E-mail us the SITE and MID codes that appear in this window (see Figure 1.6.1).
5) We will then e-mail back the user’s activation code
6) Restart the program (with CAPS locked) and enter the activation code in the DeepEX
activation window (select the option Activate license).
(please pay attention not to paste the activation code with any additional space
characters)
7) Select Enter Application and press Continue.
Figure 1.6.1: The DeepEX activation window – SITE and MID codes.
This procedure is used to activate all DeepEX modules.
1.7.2 Activating the network license

Network license instructions are included in a separate manual.
DEEP EXCAVATION 13


CHAPTER 2: USING DeepEX
DEEP EXCAVATION 14


2.1 Deep Excavations Background
2.1.1. Background
A deep excavation is typically defined as an excavation in soil or rock that is deeper than 15 ft (4.5
m). Deep excavations require careful design and planning especially when constructed in
congested urban areas. Selecting and designing an appropriate earth retaining and support
system can have significant impact on cost, time, and performance.
Figure 2.1.1: Diaphragm wall excavation supported by soil anchors.
Deep excavations involve two main systems a) The Retaining System that contains earth and water
from entering directly into the excavated site, and b) The Support System (or bracing system) that
contains the resist forces generated by soil, surcharges, and water. Cantilever excavations do not
require bracing.

The term "Retaining System" for a deep excavation refers to the structural system that retains soil
and water and prevents it from collapsing into the open cut. Many types of retaining systems
exist. The selection of the proper retaining system depends on a wide range of factors such as:
Economical, soil conditions, protection of adjacent structures, ease of construction,
environmental issues and so on. Typical retaining systems include soldier pile and lagging, sheet
piling, secant pile or tangent pile walls, soil mix walls, and diaphragm walls (also known as slurry
walls in the U.S.).
DEEP EXCAVATION 15


The role of support systems is to provide lateral bracing for retaining walls. Support systems can
be subdivided into external and internal depending on the load transfer mechanism. External
supports (namely tiebacks) work by transferring lateral excavation loads beyond the active zone
of soil movements (retained side). On the other hand, internal supports such as struts, rakers, or
floor slabs, transfer lateral loads within the excavation (across opposing walls or to other internal
structures). In all cases, support and retaining systems must work closely together to guarantee
a high level of performance.
More detailed descriptions of typical retaining and support systems are available in following
sections.
2.1.2. Retaining systems for deep excavations
2.1.2. A. Soldier Pile and Lagging Walls

Figure 2.1.2: Soldier Pile & Timber Lagging Walls.
Soldier pile and lagging walls are some of the oldest forms of retaining systems used in deep
excavations. These walls have successfully been used since the late 18th century in metropolitan
cities like New York, Berlin, and London. The method is also commonly known as the "Berlin Wall"
when steel piles and timber lagging is used. Alternatively, caissons, circular pipes, or concrete
piles can also be used as soldier piles (but at an increased cost). Timber lagging is typically used
although reinforced concrete panels can also be utilized for permanent conditions. Soldier pile
and lagging walls are formed by:
1. Constructing soldier piles at regular intervals (6 ft to 12 ft, typically)
2. Excavating in small stages and installing lagging.
3. Backfilling and compacting the void space behind the lagging.
DEEP EXCAVATION 16


Moment resistance in soldier pile and lagging walls is provided solely by the soldier piles. Passive
soil resistance is obtained by embedding the soldier piles beneath the excavation grade. The
lagging bridges and retains soil across piles and transfers the lateral load to the soldier pile system.
Soldier pile and lagging walls are the most inexpensive systems compared to other retaining walls.
They are also very easy and fast to construct. The major disadvantages of soldier pile and lagging
systems are:
1. They are primarily limited to temporary construction.
2. Cannot be used in high water table conditions without extensive dewatering.
3. Poor backfilling and associated ground losses can result in significant surface settlements.
4. They are not as stiff as other retaining systems.
5. Because only the flange of a soldier pile is embedded beneath subgrade, it is very difficult to
control basal soil movements.
DEEP EXCAVATION 17


2.1.2. B. Sheet Pile Walls
Figure 2.1.3: Sheet Pile Section.
Sheet pile walls are constructed by driving prefabricated sections into the ground. Soil conditions
may allow for the sections to be vibrated into ground instead of it being hammer driven. The full
wall is formed by connecting the joints of adjacent sheet pile sections in sequential installation.
Sheet pile walls provide structural resistance by utilizing the full section. Steel sheet piles are most
commonly used in deep excavations, although reinforced concrete sheet piles have also been
used successfully.
Steel sheet piling is the most common because of its several advantages compared to other
materials:
1. Provides high resistance to driving stresses.
2. Light weight
3. Can be reused on several projects.
4. Long service life above or below water with modest protection.
5. Easy to adapt the pile length by either welding or bolting
6. Joints are less apt to deform during driving.

DEEP EXCAVATION 18


2.1.2. C. Secant Pile Walls

Figure 2.1.4: Typical Secant Pile Wall Section.
Secant pile walls are formed by constructing intersecting reinforced concrete piles. The piles are
reinforced with either steel rebar or with steel beams and are constructed by drilling under mud.
Primary piles are installed first with secondary piles constructed in between primary piles once
the latter gain sufficient strength. Pile overlap is typically in the order of 3 inches (8 cm). In a
tangent pile wall, there is no pile overlap as the piles are constructed flush to each other. The
main advantages of secant or tangent pile walls are:
1. Increased construction alignment flexibility.
2. Increased wall stiffness compared to sheet piles.
3. Can be installed in difficult ground (cobbles/boulders).
4. Less noisy construction.
The main disadvantages of secant pile walls are:
1. Verticality tolerances may be hard to achieve for deep piles.
2. Total waterproofing is very difficult to obtain in joints.
3. Increased cost compared to sheet pile walls.
DEEP EXCAVATION 19


2.1.2. D. Soil Mix Walls

Various methods of soil mixing, such as mechanical, hydraulic, with and without air, and
combinations of both types have been used widely in Japan for about 20 years. Soil mixing has
been used for many temporary and permanent deep excavation projects including the Central
Artery project in Boston. Known methods include as Jet Grouting, Soil Mixing, Cement Deep
Mixing (CDM), Soil Mixed Wall (SMW), Geo-Jet, Deep Soil Mixing, (DSM), Hydra-Mech, Dry Jet
Mixing (DJM), and Lime Columns. Each of these methods aims at finding the most efficient and
economical method to mix cement (or in some cases fly ash or lime) with soil and transform soil
to become more like a soft rock.
Mechanical soil mixing is performed using single or multiple shafts of augers and mixing paddles.
The auger is slowly rotated into the ground, typically at 10-20 rpm, and advanced at 2 to 5 ft (0.5
to 1.5 m) per minute.
Cement slurry is pumped through the hollow stem of the shaft(s) feeding out at the tip of the
auger as the auger advances. Mixing paddles are arrayed along the shaft above the auger to
provide mixing and blending of the slurry and soil. Slurry lubricates the tool and assists in the
breaking up of the soil into smaller pieces. Spoils come to the surface since fluid volume is being
introduced into the ground. These spoils comprise cement slurry and soil particles with similar
cement content as what remains in the ground. After final depth is reached, the tools remain on
the bottom of the hole, rotating for about 0.5 to 2 minutes for complete mixing. At this point, the
tools are raised while continuing to pump slurry at a reduced rate. Withdrawal is typically at twice
the speed of penetration, 4 ft to 10 ft (1 m to 3m) per minute.
Steel beams are typically inserted in the fresh mix to provide reinforcement for structural reasons.
A continuous soil mix wall is constructed by overlapping adjacent soil mix elements. Soil mix
sections are constructed in an alternating sequence with primary elements being formed first and
secondary elements following once the first have gained sufficient strength.
The soil mix method can be very effective at providing very stiff and waterproof retaining systems.
However, it is rather limited to medium and large-scale projects because of its high mobilization
costs. Insufficient mix strength may result when mixing organic soils unless a high replacement
ratio is maintained. Other issues such as difficulties in maintaining consistent compressive
strengths throughout the section of a soil mix wall can also emerge.
DEEP EXCAVATION 20


2.1.2. E. Diaphragm Walls (Slurry walls US)

Figure 2.1.5: Typical Diaphragm Wall Section.
The continuous diaphragm wall (also referred to as slurry wall) is a structure formed and cast in a
slurry trench (Xanthakos, 1994). The trench is initially supported by either Bentonite polymer
based slurries. The term "diaphragm walls" refers to the final condition when the slurry is
replaced by tremied concrete that acts as a structural system either for temporary excavation
support or as part of the permanent structure. This construction sequence is illustrated in Figure
1. The term slurry wall is also applied to walls that are used as flow barriers (mainly in waste
containment), by providing a low permeability barrier to contaminant transport.
Slurry wall technology hinges on specialized equipment for excavating slurry trenches. The
simplest type of trenching equipment is the mechanical clamshell attached on a kelly bar.
Individual contractors have developed their own specialized trenching equipment like hydraulic
clamshells, fraise or hydromills (sample manufacturers: Icos, Bauer, Casagrande, Case
Foundation, Rodio etc.).
The first diaphragm walls were tested in 1948 and the first full scale slurry wall was built by Icos
in Italy in 1950 (Puller, 1996) with Bentonite slurry support as a cut-off wall. Icos constructed the
first structural slurry wall in the late 1950s for the Milan Metro (Puller, 1996). Slurry walls were
introduced in the US in the mid-1960s by European contractors. The first application in the US
was in New York City [1962] for a 7m diameter by 24m deep shaft (Tamaro, 1990), that was
followed by the Bank of California in San Francisco (Clough and Buchignani, 1980), the CNA
building in Chicago (Cunningham and Fernandez, 1972), and the World Trade Center in New York
(Kapp, 1969, Saxena, 1974). The majority of diaphragm wall projects in the US are in six cities
Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, San Francisco and New York.
Diaphragm walls are extensively used in the Central Artery/Tunnel project (CA/T) in Boston,
Massachusetts. Work in the CA/T involves many cut and cover tunnels constructed under the
existing artery. Some of the deepest T-slurry walls, extending 120' below the surface have been
constructed for the Central Artery (Lambrechts et al., 1998).
DEEP EXCAVATION 21


2.1.3 Support systems for deep excavations
2.1.3. A. Tiebacks/Rock Anchors
Figure 2.1.6: General installation sequence of tiebacks.
Anchored walls have become popular in braced excavations because of a) the substantial progress
in the technology and availability of high-capacity anchor systems, and b) the absence of interior
obstructions that permit uninterrupted earth moving and thus improve the construction
conditions of the underground portion of a building (Xanthakos, 1994). In some projects tiebacks
have been used in combination with rakers and soil berms and/or corner braces (Gnaedinger et
al., 1975). Tieback anchors comprise a barrel anchorage located either in a bearing layer which is
tensioned at the front face of the wall. The part of the anchor that transfers the force to the
surrounding soil is frequently called the "fixed length", while the "free length" transmits forces
from the fixed length through the anchor head to the slurry wall.
To minimize wall movement and ground settlement, tieback anchors are designed to achieve the
highest stiffness possible within economic considerations. In urban cities like Boston, Chicago,
New York, and Washington where land is precious such deep excavations are more common.
Tieback capacity depends on the vertical and horizontal spacing of anchors and on surcharge
conditions. Prestress levels typically range from 40 to 250 kips when the grouted portion of
tiebacks is within soil, higher loads are used when the ties are installed in bedrock. Typical tieback
spacing ranges from 7ft to 13ft in the vertical, and from 5ft to 15ft in the horizontal direction.
Tieback capacity is reduced if the spacing is too close due to interference between adjacent
grouted zones.
Often the tiebacks are used only for temporary excavation support, while the basement floors
provide permanent lateral earth support. In such projects the tiebacks are detensioned when the
basement floors have gained sufficient strength. The basement floors should be designed to resist
DEEP EXCAVATION 22


permanent lateral earth pressures, since stress transfer from the tiebacks to the floor system will
take place when the ties are detensioned. This stress transfer has reportedly caused long-term
cracking of many the basement floors.
Tieback installation follows a predetermined sequence as to minimize soil movements and speed
the excavation construction. The excavation is carried a couple of feet below the tieback to enable
access for the drill rig. Further excavation occurs only after prestressing and proof-testing of the
anchors. The process can be repeated for additional levels of tiebacks. Building codes require that
all tiebacks are proof-tested to an excess percentage of their final lock-off load, which usually
ranges from 120 to 150% of the final lock-off load. Regroutable tiebacks are most commonly used
because their capacity can be increased by regrouting (to meet test requirements) without having
to drill a new anchor hole.
A tieback is made by first drilling a hole with an auger and then placing a bar (tendon) in the hole,
concrete is then poured in the hole and the connection with wall is made. Different types of
augers are used to drill the tieback holes. The choice of the drilling method depends on the
soil/rock conditions on the site.
Drilling should be done carefully since inadequate procedures can cause significant soil losses.
The byproduct of drilling is removed by flushing the hole with air, water, or slurry. Air is most
efficient in dry ground, but it requires special attention because it can become entrapped during
drilling, building up zones of high pressure in the soil that can eject material for several feet and
at high speeds (potentially injuring workers). Water flushing is best used in sticky clayey soil, and
it also cleans the sides of the hole by its sweeping action, providing a stronger bond at the grout-
anchor interface. Bentonite slurry flushing works the best since it keeps particles in suspension,
while the sealing action keeps the hole from collapsing.
Significant soil losses through the tiebacks cause significant settlements even if the retaining walls
do not move towards the excavation. In granular soils the drilled hole must be cased to avoid
collapse.
Some tieback creep can be expected especially if the ties are very short and the fixed length of
the tie is within soft ground. For stability reasons, the fixed anchor should be located beyond the
active zone of movements. As a result, tieback anchors may not be an option at sites congested
where there are adjacent underground utilities or when adjacent owners do not grant permission
to drill them under their properties.
Special attention should be given to the waterproofing details at the anchor heads and at the
tieback holes. Significant leakage can be caused by inadequate water stopping details at these
locations.
DEEP EXCAVATION 23


2.1.3. B. Cross-lot/Internal Bracing

Figure 2.1.7: A cross-lot project.
Cross-lot or internal bracing transfers the lateral earth (and water pressures) between opposing
walls through compressive struts. Rakers resting on a foundation mat or rock offer another
internal bracing alternative. Typically, the struts are either pipe or I- beam sections and are usually
preloaded to provide a very stiff system. Installation of the bracing struts is done by excavating
soil locally around the strut and only continuing the excavation once preloading is complete. The
struts typically rest on a series of wale beams that distribute the strut load to the diaphragm wall.
Pre-loading ensures a rigid contact between interacting members and is accomplished by
inserting a hydraulic jack as each side of an individual pipe strut between the wale beam and a
special jacking plate welded to the strut. The strut load can either be measured with strain gages
or can be estimated using equations of elasticity by measuring the increased separation between
the wale and the strut.
In some earlier projects the struts were not preloaded, and as a result when the excavation
progressed deeper the soil and the wall movements were large (C1). Thus, it has become standard
practice to preload struts to minimize wall movements. Cross-lot bracing makes sense in narrow
excavations (60ft to 120ft) when tieback installation is not feasible. The struts can bend
excessively under their own weight if the excavation spacing is too large. In addition, special
provisions must be taken to account for thermal expansion and contraction of the struts.
The typical strut spacing is in the range of 15ft, both in the vertical and the horizontal direction.
This is larger than the typical spacing when tiebacks are used, because the pre-loading levels are
much higher. A clear benefit of using struts is that there are no tieback openings in the slurry wall,
thus eliminating one source of leakage.
DEEP EXCAVATION 24


2.1.3. C. Top/Down Construction
Figure 2.1.8: Typical Top/Down Sequence.
Top/down or up/down construction methods are another method for constructing deep
excavations. In this case the basement floors are constructed as the excavation progresses. The
top/down method has been used for deep excavation projects where tieback installation was not
feasible and soil movements had to be minimized. The general top/down construction sequence
DEEP EXCAVATION 25


is shown in the figure above. The Post Office Square Garage in Boston (7-levels deep) is one of
the best-instrumented and documented top/down projects in the US (Whittle, et al., Whitman et
al., 1991).
The sequence construction begins with retaining wall installation and then load-bearing elements
that will carry the future super-structure. The basement columns (typically steel beams) are
constructed before any excavation takes place and rest on the load bearing elements. These load
bearing elements are typically concrete barrettes constructed under slurry (or caissons). Then the
top floor slab is constructed with at least on construction (glory) hole left open to allow removal
of spoil material.
The excavation starting at the glory hole begins once the top floor has gained sufficient strength.
Soil under the top basement floor is excavated around the basement columns to slightly lower
than the first basement floor elevation to allow for the installation of the forms for the first level
basement slab. Glory holes are left open within each newly formed basement floor slab and the
procedure is repeated. Each floor rests on the basement columns that were constructed earlier.
DEEP EXCAVATION 26


2.2 Using DeepEX

DeepEX is a user-friendly software program and includes powerful features and versatile options.
In DeepEX we can work with many design sections of an excavation. In a sense, a design section
is a design scenario. Each design section can be independent or can be linked to a parent model.
This way, multiple conditions can be examined simultaneously. The main interface is shown in
Figure 2.2. The general philosophy in creating an excavation model in DeepEX is:
1) Specify the global coordinates.
2) Specify the soil types and properties.
3) Specify the layers.
4) Create a generalized water table.
5) Specify the retaining wall system (soldier pile, sheet pile, secant pile, tangent pile, and
diaphragm wall options).
6) Create a database of support members (tiebacks, struts, or concrete slabs).
7) Add a stage and draw in new supports.
8) Modify the stage elevations.
9) Specify load cases or design approach combinations.
10) Analyze the project.
11) Perform slope stability analysis.
The general tabs that appear on the top of the program have the following functions.
1. General: This tab includes general information about the project, model limits and all the
model options. Here we can define borings, number of walls used, surface and water elevations,
add or delete stages and modify/edit options for supports and external loads.

2. Analysis: In this tab we can define the type of the analysis performed (limit equilibrium,
elastoplastic or both).

3. Seismic: In this tab we can include and edit seismic effects.

4. Slope: This is an extra module which includes options for slope stability.

DEEP EXCAVATION 27


5. Stability +: In this tab we can control options for the calculation of wall embedment safety
factors, surface settlements and Clough basal stability method.

6. Design: In this tab we can control the structural design codes and other options for calculating
the design capacities of walls and supports.

7. Results: In this tab we can select to present results directly to the screen after the analysis is
performed.

8. Report: In this tab we can select options for generating output reports, or viewing calculation
progress files.

9. View: In this tab we can modify various view options or generate a top view of the model.

10. Optimize: This tab provides options for optimizing walls and supports after an analysis is
completed.

11. Help: This tab provides links to help and technical manuals.

Figure 2.2: General DeepEX 2018 Interface
DEEP EXCAVATION 28


2.3.1 DeepEX Toolbar Functions
The following section provides a detailed list of all toolbar functions. The first tab group to
encounter contains the following options:
 Start button

Figure 2.3.1: Main button
Tool Description
Create a new project.
Open an existing project.
Saves the project.
Save a project with different name or destination folder, or in an older
version.
List of recently created or modified projects.

Exits the program.

DEEP EXCAVATION 29


A toolbox is available on the left screen side under the design sections list. The available tools are
described in the table below:
Tool Description
Turn the snap on or off (when snap is on, the points in the model area are

rounded to .5)
Zoom in

Zoom out

Zoom to 1 to 1 horizontal to vertical scale

Zoom Original (all)

Show/Hide axis

Show/Hide dimensions

Show/Hide point coordinates on the model area

Show/Hide tieback dimensions

Show/Hide soil properties

Show/Hide assumptions table

Show/Hide Ka and Kp values on model

Show boring on a specific x coordinate on model

Show boring on model

Show boring in table
Show/Hide SPT values (if SPT record is assigned)
Show/Hide CPT tip resistance on model (CPT log must be applied)

Sleeve friction (CPT log must be applied)
Standard soil description for CPT tests according to Robertson (CPT log must be
applied)
Water pressure (CPT log must be applied)

Select tool – drag and move objects
Erase an item. Select an item on the model to erase.
Splits a surface line and inserts a point.

Performs an excavation (click on screen to define the excavation limits).

Performs a backfill operation (click on screen to define the backfill limits).
Perform an integrity check of the model

DEEP EXCAVATION 30


On the top left side of the program, right under the design section list appears a toolbar that helps
the user deal with the design sections (Figure 2.3.2). The icons are presented and described in
the table below:
Tool Description
Edit the name of the selected design section
Generate a new view of the current design section
Add a new design section
Delete design section
Move design section up on the list
Move design section down on the list
Add a new design section (empty – including only stage 0)
Figure 2.3.2: Design section toolbars
DEEP EXCAVATION 31


On the bottom left corner of the program there is a toolbar that helps the user perform
calculations and control viewing options.
Figure 2.3.3: View and calculate tools
Tool Description
Calculate the current design section on view

Calculate all design sections

DEEP EXCAVATION 32


2.3.2 Wall List, Design Section List, Project Tree View and 3D Model
DeepEX offers features that include multiple design sections and a tree-style project view. The
tree view enables the user to quickly access vital project data, as well as visualize crucial project
settings. The next table briefly describes the functionality of the Wall list, Design Section List, and
Tree View items.
Selects current design section, shows available
design sections.

Selects on which wall on current design section
the settings should be applied.

Shows available design sections

Shows used wall types

Lists supports (right click to add or erase)
Line loads (right click to add or erase)
Surcharges (right click to add or erase)
Prescribed conditions (right click to add or
erase)
Moment loads (right click to add or erase)
Available soil types (by clicking the user can
select which soil’s properties to modify)
Available boreholes (by clicking the user can
select which borehole’s properties to modify)
Structural materials (by clicking the user can
select to change the properties of the structural
materials)
Available wall sections (By clicking the user can
see the available wall sections, delete them,
activate and deactivate them)
Available structural sections (buildings and
footings)
Other 3D loads (Area loads, 3D point loads and
vehicle loads)
DEEP EXCAVATION 33


To use the 3D Model feature of DeepEX, we first need to create a design section in DeepEX with
two walls, loads and all design stages. Next, we can use the 3D wizard of DeepEX in order to create
a 3D model of the site. Figure 2.3.4 presents the options in the 3D model tab of DeepEX.
Figure 2.3.4: 3D Model options.
The following table describes the functionality of the 3D Items tree view. Paragraph 4.9 includes

all the options that are available in this feature of DeepEX.
Available 3D Nodes. By double clicking, we can
manage the existing nodes or add new ones
Available 3D perimeters and 3D surfaces. By
double clicking on them we can manage the
perimeter and surfaces parameters

Available wall perimeters. By double clicking
on them we can manage the wall perimeter
options

Available supports (walers, anchors, struts and
slabs)

DEEP EXCAVATION 34


In DeepEX 2018 user can give voice commands and the software responds, creating models with
all construction stages within seconds. Figure 2.3.5 presents common orders that can be used in
DeepEX. User can combine multiple commands.

Figure 2.3.5: 3D Model options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 35


2.4 General menu

Figure 2.4.1: Wizard, Project info, Model limits, Soils, Structural sections, Borings, Surface and

water options, Stage options, loads and supports.
- Project Info: by pressing the button , we can change the project, file, company and engineer

name
Figure 2.4.2: Project information dialog.
- Move model elevation: by pressing the button , we can change the model elevation by

entering a new top of wall elevation.
Figure 2.4.3: Model Elevation dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 36


The user can choose the objects to be affected by the change in elevation. These are:
The design section coordinates
The soil layers elevation (of current borehole)
All the soil layer elevations of all boreholes
Elevations of all stages
Elevations of walls
Elevations of all supports
Elevations of all surcharges
Elevations of all footings and buildings
The top of the wall is used as point of reference for the change of elevations.
- Model Dimension - Limits: by pressing the button , we can change the Design Section

name, the used Stratigraphy or Boring and the Model Limits to create a nice view of the model.
Figure 2.4.4: Model Dimension – Limits dialog.
This dialog includes the following options:
 The design section name.
 The model limits. Here we can define the top, bottom, left and right limits of the model.
These are absolute coordinates.
 Define the angle of the wall in-plane from y’-y axis (plan view i.e. from top).
 Define the excavation type (Long 2D excavation, Box-type excavation, Circular shaft,
Corner (enables out-of-plane for supports)).

DEEP EXCAVATION 37


- Wizard: by pressing the button , the Wizard dialog appears. The wizard can create a model
fast.

 Set Units: Here the user can define the model units.

Figure 2.4.5: Wizard – Set units dialog.
 Welcome Tab: Here the user can define the Analysis method.

Figure 2.4.6: Wizard – Welcome Tab.
DEEP EXCAVATION 38


User can choose to perform a beam on elastoplastic foundations (nonlinear) analysis, a
conventional (limit equilibrium) analysis, or both analyses. If only the limit-equilibrium analysis is
selected, then the program offers the ability to optimize the wall embedment.

In addition, in case of limit-equilibrium analysis or conventional analysis, we can define the earth
pressures choosing among FHWA pressures, Custom Trapezoidal pressures, Peck 1969 pressure,
adaptive pressures from active or Hexc, apparent between Ka and Ko, and German EAB from
active or increased pressures.
User can also choose from the following list of options:
 Blum’s method (pins at supports, and at zero net load)
 Tributary area method
 Simplified span analysis (FHWA approach)
 Simplified span analysis with negative moments
 California Trenching Manual 2011 (option negative moments)
 California Trenching Manual 2011 (20% negative moments)
 Hydrostatic water pressures (groundwater analysis)
 One dimensional flow around wall (groundwater analysis options)
 Two dimensional flownet analysis (groundwater analysis options)
For one wall and limit equilibrium analysis only, user can choose to optimize the wall embedment
length, defining the wall embedment safety factor and the increment length for wall embedment
search.
In this tab, DeepEX also provides an option to include arching effects in non-linear analysis.

DEEP EXCAVATION 39


 Dimensions Tab: Here we can define units and basic model dimensions.
Figure 2.4.7: Wizard – Dimensions Tab.
Here user can define the project type from the available list:
ICON DESCRIPTION (PROJECT TYPE)
One wall with tieback supports

Two walls with tieback supports

Dead man wall with tierod

Bin type wall

Two walls braced with internal struts

One wall with raker supports

DEEP EXCAVATION 40


One wall with raker supports and a heel block

Concrete slabs top/down construction

Rectangular shaft with walers

Struts and 3D frame

Circular shaft (half-space modelled with uniform loading conditions
all around shaft)

Depending on the project type that we select, in this tab we can also define the structural section,
spacing and installation angle of the supports that we will use. The following parameters should
be defined:
 Final Excavation depth
 Wall length
 Excavation width (especially in case of opposite walls)
 Top of wall elevation
 Ground water elevation
 Length of second wall (in case of Dead man wall design)
 Initial ground elevation (in case of Dead man wall design)
 Depth to tierod (in case of Dead man wall design)
 Support horizontal spacing
 Support structural section
 Inclination angle (in case of tiebacks or rakers)
 Option to bring rakers to the base point (in case of rakers)
 Free length of tiebacks (user selected, Italian m=0.2H, Canadian m=0.15H)
 Option to estimate structural properties for tiebacks (tiebacks only)
 Option to include Prestress force for tiebacks (tiebacks only)
 Option to use hydraulic or mechanical struts (struts and rakers only)
 Change in temperature (struts and rakers only)
 Temperature load correction factor (struts and rakers only)
 Soil layers Tab: Here we can define soil layer properties and stratigraphy.

DEEP EXCAVATION 41


Figure 2.4.8.A: Wizard – Soil layers tab
This tab offers three main options:
1. Edit soil types: By pressing this button, the Soil properties dialog appears. All
properties that are available in this dialog are described in Paragraph 3.4.
2. Edit borings: By pressing this button, the Edit Borings dialog appears, where we can
define the stratigraphy. All properties that are available in this dialog are described
in Paragraph 3.5.
3. Define soils from text description. This option loads the dialog presented in Figure
2.4.8.B, where user can describe soil conditions and define SPT values and DeepEX
can estimate and create a soil profile.
DEEP EXCAVATION 42


Figure 2.4.8.B: Soils defined from text description.
DEEP EXCAVATION 43


 Wall Type Tab: Here we can define the basic wall type to be used.

Figure 2.4.9: Wizard – Wall Type Tab.
By pressing on the button Edit Section Data, the wall sections dialog appears. The properties in
this dialog are described in paragraph 3.8.
DEEP EXCAVATION 44


 Stages Tab: Here the user can define the surface elevations for each construction stage.
There are three main choices:

 Automatic elevations:

With this option the program will equally space supports and automatically determine
excavation depths for each stage. There are also options to include an initial stage with
no excavation (recommended).

Figure 2.4.10: Wizard – Stages Tab, Automatic elevations.
DEEP EXCAVATION 45


 Tabulated elevations:

With this option support elevations can be manually defined. The height difference
between the lowest support and the subgrade can also be defined.
Figure 2.4.11: Wizard – Stages Tab, Tabulated elevations.
 Cantilever:
Select this option to create a cantilever excavation (with no supports).
Figure 2.4.12: Wizard – Stages Tab, Cantilever.
DEEP EXCAVATION 46


 Surcharges Tab: Here the user can define a loading surcharge that will be applied as an
external load to the wall.

Figure 2.4.13: Wizard – Surcharges Tab.
We can choose between a two-step wall surcharge, a triangular surcharge, a strip load or not
using a wall surcharge at all.
Here, we can also define the surcharge modelling options for LEM analysis:
Elasticity Equations

Two way distribution angle

One way distribution angle

One-way distribution angle from soil friction

Elasticity to vertical stress x Ka (or Ko)

CIRIA Special Pub 95-1993

DEEP EXCAVATION 47


 Codes Tab: In this tab we can define the structural and geotechnical codes used to
analyze this project.

Figure 2.4.14: Wizard – Codes Tab.
DEEP EXCAVATION 48


- Edit soil type data: by pressing the button , the soil properties dialog appears. Here

we can add, delete and modify available soils by changing their type, the general properties
like unit weights, strength parameters and permeability, modify the elastoplastic parameters
and modify the bond resistance for tiebacks. A soil can be used in a boring more than one
time. Many estimation tools that help the user estimate values are also included. Paragraph
3.4 includes all the options that are available in this form.

Figure 2.4.15: Edit soil properties dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 49


By pressing the arrow under the soil types button in the General tab of DeepEX, the following
options are available:

Soil change commands: we can choose to change structural material and soil properties
during a specific stage. A change property command is valid for all subsequent stages, unless
it is superseded by another change command or another model change. Please use these
options with care.
Figure 2.4.16: Change soil property dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 50


In the Change soil properties dialog, the following properties are available:
Describe material change
Select stage to Make material change effective
Select soil property
Select soil to modify
Initial property value
New property value
Choose wall side to apply change

Estimate properties from SPT or CPT: This option opens the “Options for estimating soil
properties from SPT or CPT” dialog.
Figure 2.4.17: Options for estimating soil properties from SPT or CPT dialog.
The following options are available:
 Option to estimate Ko-OCR from SPT
 Option to estimate loading Elasticity Modulus
 Option to estimate undrained shear strength for clays
 Choose method for using CPT

DEEP EXCAVATION 51


- Borings (Soil layers): by pressing the button , the soil layer dialog appears. In
this dialog we can edit the borings available for use in the project. In each boring the user
can add soil layers. To do this, we can type the new soil layer’s elevation, choose the soil type
from the list of soil types and define the new layers OCR and Ko. In addition, by clicking on
Edit button, we can modify the selected soil’s properties (see paragraph 3.4). The
coordinates X and Y refer to the plan location of the boring and do not affect analysis results.

Figure 2.4.18: Edit soil layers dialog.
- CPT logs: by pressing the arrow next to the button , we can add borings and soils

by using a CPT test results file as performed by Geologismiki CPT. The options of Figure 2.4.19
are available. By choosing a CPT log input file, the following dialog appears:

Figure 2.4.19: Available options for CPT logs.
DEEP EXCAVATION 52


Import from Geologismiki CPT Select a CPT file to import
Extract CPT to Borings and soils Choose to add the soils from CPT log to the
model’s soils and borings databases
CPT table This opens the CPT dialog
www.geologismiki.gr This leads to the site of Geologismiki
Figure 2.4.20: Available CPT logs dialog.
In this dialog we can export the CPT test borings and soils to the program’s database.
- Custom layers: by pressing the button , we can choose the Custom layer
mode and possibly define non-horizontal soil layers. In this mode, a model will not use a
borehole to define soil layers. Instead, the user can define arbitrary layer lines from left to
right and create non-horizontal soil layer conditions.
Figure 2.4.21: Custom layers mode.
DEEP EXCAVATION 53


- The option Use custom layers switches on the custom layer mode.
- The reset layers from boring option, resets all custom layer lines to horizontal using the
boring applicable for the current design section.
- The draw layer line tool enables the user to draw a layer line by clicking in the model (left to
right). Press enter to complete.

- Add second wall: by pressing the button , we can add a second wall to the

model on the right side of the existing wall.

Figure 2.4.22: Add second wall.
- Draw left wall element: By pressing the option to draw a left beam (arrow next to the Edit

1st wall button), we can draw a second wall beam additional to the existing wall and modify
its properties, as shown in Figures 2.4.23 and 2.4.24. To draw a wall beam, click on one point
near the wall and then select the next wall beam point.

Figure 2.4.23: The draw left wall beam button.
DEEP EXCAVATION 54


Figure 2.4.24: Edit wall beam data dialog.
The options available in the Edit wall data form are described in paragraph 3. 7. The option
Draw right wall beam is available when we choose to use a second wall in the model (Figure
2.4.25).
Figure 2.4.25: The draw right wall beam button.
DEEP EXCAVATION 55


- Surface options: By clicking on the button we can edit the surface options. These
options are presented in the table below. In addition, we can change the elevation next to
the wall in the area signed in Figure 2.4.26.

Figure 2.4.26: Surface options.
Icon Description
Resets global surface levels

Sets right surface level

Sets left surface level

Table of coordinates of surface points

Create a bench on the left side

Create a slope on the left side
Create a bench on the right side
Create a slope on the right side
DEEP EXCAVATION 56


- Water elevation: In this area we can define the water elevations next to the wall.

Figure 2.4.27: Water elevation - settings.
- With the draw custom water surface tool, we can draw a non-horizontal groundwater table.
To do this, select this option and then start clicking the left mouse button from left to right
(press enter to complete). To delete the custom water line, move on top in the model and
press delete.
- The draw a U line tool is used to draw a line of constant pore pressure in the model. This line
is only used in slope stability analysis.
- The define user water pressures tool launches the dialog for defining custom values of water
pressures next to the walls. Please note that in the non-linear engine, two consecutive zero
values of water pressure still count in increasing the total vertical stress by γw (see theory
manual).
- By clicking on the button , the Ground water table dialog shows up.
Figure 2.4.28: Ground water table.
DEEP EXCAVATION 57


The following table presents the options that are included in the ground water table dialog.
Define the retained side water elevation (left side)
Option to use hydrostatic ground water pressures
Option to use simplified flow net for ground water (1D flow calculations)
Option to perform full flow net analysis (finite difference)
Choice for constant head on lower boundary (if the previous option is selected)
Option to use user defined water pressures
Option to maintain center region water at subgrade
Option to dewater center region water below subgrade
Option to use general elevation for center region water
Choice to create seal at excavation bottom
Define the water density γw
Choice to specify different center water elevation for second wall (this option is
available only if a second wall is used in the model)
- Stages: In this area we can add, delete, insert or copy a construction stage.

Figure 2.4.29: Water elevation - settings.
Icon Description
Add a new construction stage

Deletes the current construction stage
Insert a construction stage after the current stage

Copy selected construction stage
Paste construction stage
DEEP EXCAVATION 58


- Supports: By selecting an option from this drop-down menu, a support or other related
support entities can be drawn on the model. The following options are available:
Figure 2.4.30: Support options.
Tool Description
Adds a tieback – anchor (first click on the wall and then in the ground).
Adds a strut (first click on the wall and then in the ground, or on the second
wall).
Adds a raker click on the wall and then in the ground).

Adds a slab (first click on the wall and then define the end point of the slab).
Adds a fixed support (click on the wall to add a fixed support).
Adds a spring (click on the wall to add a spring).
Adds a waler support (click on the wall to add a waler).
Adds a waler beam on a support (click on a support to add a wale beam).
Adds a passive heel block (click on the bottom of a raker support to add).
Defines the free length of tieback supports. Options include
recommendations for the minimum free length according to well accepted
international Building codes.

Supports can be added by selecting the desired wall type and then clicking on the desired
wall where the support must be applied. A second click is required for the end point of the
support for tiebacks, struts, rakers, and slabs. If a support can connect to two walls (left and
right), then the end point can be defined by simply clicking on the 2nd wall (tiebacks, struts,
and slabs).

DEEP EXCAVATION 59


- Loads: This drop-down menu contains tool buttons for adding external loads (surcharges)
and some related surcharge options. The following options are available:

Figure 2.4.31: Load options.

Adds a surface surcharge (define the start and end point of the surcharge).
Adds a surface line load (click a surface point to add a point load).

Adds a surcharge on the wall (define two wall points to add a surcharge).

Adds a line load on the wall (define a wall point to add a wall point load)

Adds a prescribed condition at a wall (click on the wall to add a prescribed

condition). A prescribed condition is a predefined displacement or wall
rotation (non-linear analysis)
Adds a footing load (3D) (define a point where to install a footing load).
Creates a new building (define a point where to install a building).
Adds a 3D surface load (click on it and draw a 3D load in the Plan view

screen).
Click to manage the elastic load options (see paragraph 4.8).

Edit load combinations. Load combinations are user defined combinations
where a load can be selected manually if it is favorable or unfavorable.
Assign a load combination. With this option, a load combination can be
assigned to a specific design section.

DEEP EXCAVATION 60


- 3d building: By pressing the button , we can add a building in the model, using the
building wizard dialog.
The properties contained in this dialog are described in paragraph 4.7.
Figure 2.4.32: Building Wizard dialog.
- Add footing: By pressing the button , we can add a footing load in the model,

using the footing options dialog.
Figure 2.4.33: Footing options dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 61


- Wales: By pressing the button we can add a wale beam to a support. Wale beams are
simply treated as structural members and their stiffness is not accounted in the non-linear
analysis. The wale beam dialog opens, and the user can define the type and the loading case
of the waler. The properties contained in this dialog are described in paragraph 3.14.

Figure 2.4.34: Wale beam dialog.
- Load combinations: the load combinations option, the Load combinations dialog appears

(Figure 2.4.35). Within this dialog an unlimited number of load combinations can be created.
Each load combination can control how the load is treated when a design approach is
applied, in terms of the load character (favorable, unfavorable, automatic, ignored). This
definition can be applied on each load that has been applied to the model (surcharges, line
loads, footings, buildings and other 3D loads).
Figure 2.4.35: Load combinations dialog – Local loads.
DEEP EXCAVATION 62


Figure 2.4.36: Load combinations dialog – Footings-Buildings.
Figure 2.4.37: Load combinations dialog – Other 3D loads.
DEEP EXCAVATION 63


- Structural sections: From the drop-down button of the General tab of DeepEX 2018, we

can modify the structural properties of all sections that will be used in our model:
- Edit wall sections: by pressing the button , the Edit wall properties dialog appears.
Here we can choose the wall type and dimensions, choose the wall sections and edit the
rebar options for concrete walls. The properties that exist on this form and can be modified
are described in paragraph 3.7.

Figure 2.4.38: Edit wall properties dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 64


- Edit anchor sections: By pressing the button , we can edit the structural and
geotechnical properties of the sections used in anchors and tiebacks, or select to import
specific sections from the program’s database. The properties that exist on this form and
can be modified are described in paragraph 3.8.

Figure 2.4.39: Edit anchor sections dialog.
- Edit slab sections: By pressing the button , we can edit the structural and reinforcement

properties of the slab sections that are included in the model. The properties that exist on
this form and can be modified are described in paragraph 3.10.

Figure 2.4.40: Edit slab sections dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 65


- Edit strut sections: By pressing the button we can edit the structural properties of the

strut sections that are be included in the model. The properties that exist on this form and
can be modified are described in paragraph 3.9.

Figure 2.4.41: Edit strut sections dialog.
- Edit strut sections: By pressing the button we can edit the structural properties of the

mechanical or hydraulic strut sections that are be included in the model. The properties that
exist on this form and can be modified are described in paragraph 3.9.1.

Figure 2.4.42: Edit hydraulic and mechanical strut sections dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 66


- Edit helical anchor sections: By pressing the button we can edit the structural and

geotechnical properties of the helical anchor sections (can be used in tiebacks). The
properties that exist on this form and can be modified are described in paragraph 3.8.

Figure 2.4.43: Edit helical anchor sections dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 67


 Wale sections: By pressing the button we can edit the structural properties of the

wale beams. The properties that exist on this form and can be modified are described in
paragraph 3.14.
Figure 2.4.44: Edit wale sections dialog.
 Waler support sections: By pressing the button we can edit the structural properties

of the waler supports. The properties that exist on this form and can be modified are described
in paragraph 3.14.
Figure 2.4.45: Edit wale sections dialog.

DEEP EXCAVATION 68


- Structural materials: In this area we can edit the structural material properties.


Concrete
Reinforced steel
Steel
Timber (wood)
User defined material
 Edit steel properties: Here we can edit the structural steel properties. We can import
already available materials from the “Import standard steel materials” box.

Figure 2.4.46: Edit structural steel properties dialog.
In this form we can define the following properties:
The steel name
The yield strength Fy
The ultimate strength Fu
The modulus of elasticity E
The density g
The steel material used
Import and replace selected material
Import and add as a new material
DEEP EXCAVATION 69


 Edit concrete properties: Here we can edit the concrete properties. We can import
already available materials from the “Import standard concrete materials” box.

Figure 2.4.47: Edit concrete properties dialog.
The steel name
The concrete strength Fc
The tension strength Ft (% of compressive strength)
The density g
The standard concrete material reference standard
The concrete material
DEEP EXCAVATION 70


 Edit reinforcement steel properties: Here we can edit the reinforcement (rebar) steel
properties. We can import already available materials from the “Import standard rebar
materials” box. Steel reinforcement materials can be used for tiebacks and reinforced
concrete sections.
Figure 2.4.48: Edit reinforcement steel properties dialog.
The steel name
The yield strength Fy
The standard rebar material reference standard
The steel material used
DEEP EXCAVATION 71


 User Materials: Here we can create a custom material, by defining the modulus of
elasticity. User materials are used for custom defined wall sections.

Figure 2.4.49: Edit user material properties dialog.
 Edit wood properties: Here we can modify the wood material properties. Wood (timber)

materials are used in laggings for soldier pile walls.

Figure 2.4.50: Edit wood properties dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 72


The wood name
The ultimate bending strength Fbu
The ultimate tensile strength Ftu
The ultimate shear strength Fvu
The density g

DEEP EXCAVATION 73


2.5 Seismic menu

Figure 2.5.1: The Seismic tab menu.
In this menu, we can choose to include Seismic options and loads in the model’s analysis. The
following options are included:
- General – accelerations: In this area we can define the earthquake’s accelerations for both

directions (horizontal ax and vertical az).

Figure 2.5.2: Seismic accelerations.
- Method: In this area we can choose the Seismic method. We can either choose from the
available list (Figure 2.5.3) or press the full seismic options button and load the
seismic effects dialog (Figure 2.5.4).

Figure 2.5.3: Seismic accelerations.
DEEP EXCAVATION 74


Figure 2.5.4: Seismic effects dialog.
The following=g table presents the options that are available in the Seismic effects dialog.
Choice to include seismic effects in this stage
Horizontal design acceleration Axdesign
Vertical design acceleration Azdesign
Option to use a building code
Define building code and soil type class (if the previous option is selected)
Define the horizontal base acceleration Axbase
Define the site soil response factor Ss
Define the topographic site response St
Define the Importance factor l
Option to use rigid wall behavior (wood method)
Option to use flexible wall behavior
Option to use a user defined response factor R (if the flexible wall option is selected)
Option define response factor R according to Building code (if the flexible wall option is
selected)
DEEP EXCAVATION 75


Option define response factor R according to Richards Elms (if the flexible wall option is
selected)
Option define response factor R according to Liao Whitman (if the flexible wall option is
selected)
Define value of R (if user defined R option is selected)
Define the Permanent design displacement Dxperm (after the seismic event)
Define the Vmax (peak velocity)
Define the amax (peak acceleration)
Define the Vmax/amax (option available for estimation)
Option to use Semirigid method for seismic pressures
Option to use Mononobe-Okabe method for seismic pressures
Option to use Richards-Shi method for seismic pressures
Option to use user specified external pressures
Option to use Wood automatic procedure
Option to use Wood manual procedure
Define the user defined seismic pressures for top and bottom
Define the water behavior as Pervious, impervious or automatic
Choice to use actual water pressures for Hydrodynamic effects (instead of γw x hw)
Option to calculate thrust to excavation subgrade
Option to calculate thrust to bottom of the wall
Choice to include wall inertia for non-gravity walls
Choice to apply settings to all stages
Recalculate design accelerations
With Mononobe-Okabe there is the option to define a custom trapezoidal pressure
distribution.

- Conventional Seismic: In this area we can control options for controlling the height of

application for seismic loads, and also define the Semirigid seismic multiplier B (factor for
creating a rectangular seismic thrust diagram).

Figure 2.5.5: Conventional seismic options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 76


- Seismic: In this area we can define the water behavior (Figure 2.7.6) and seismic pressures
(Figure 2.5.7) regarding the Non-linear analysis. The pervious and impervious options control
how the water is treated in a seismic condition. In the pervious case hydrodynamic loading
is applied according to the Westeergard solution. If the automatic EC8 limit option is
selected, then the pervious/impervious state is automatically controlled from the horizontal
soil permeability according to the limits specified in Eurocode 8.
Figure 2.5.6: Water behavior options.
Figure 2.5.7: Elastoplastic seismic pressure options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 77


2.6 Analysis menu

Figure 2.6.1: The Analysis tab menu.
In this menu we can edit the basic analysis settings.
- Analysis: In this area we can define the analysis method. We can choose to perform:
 a conventional analysis (Limit Equilibrium Method)
 a non-linear analysis (Beam on Elastoplastic Foundations Method)
 a combination of both limit equilibrium and non-linear analysis
 Finite Element Analysis
 a combination of both limit equilibrium and finite element analysis
In addition, here we can define the spacing among the points of the wall (mesh delta). In general,
it is recommended that a mesh that generates at least 100 nodes is adopted.

Figure 2.6.2: Analysis options.
Additional information regarding the non-linear engine:
The elastoplastic engine is a separate executable that communicates with DeepEX through a text
interface file. The analysis method works by defining active and passive soil springs, and elastic
elements for structural members. The analysis method was originally proposed by Nova et al. in
1987 and was originally incorporated in the paratie program by CeAS, Italy. This original
elastoplastic engine concept has since been expanded to incorporate new features and
capabilities. Because the analysis is Winkler based, the elastoplastic analysis cannot capture basal
movements under the excavation.
DEEP EXCAVATION 78


- Design approach: In this area we can define the design load cases of standards. There is a
possibility to choose a specific case of a design standard (Figure 2.6.3), or to generate all
load cases/design approaches of a design code (Figure 2.6.4). Paragraph 3.2 presents all
these options.
Figure 2.6.3: Single load case.
Figure 2.6.4: Multiple load cases.
DEEP EXCAVATION 79


- Water behavior: In this area we can define the clay behavior and the water analysis type
for each stage (Figures 2.6.5 and 2.6.6 respectively).
Figure 2.6.5: Clay behavior.
For drained analysis the program will use effective strength parameters (for clays c’ is used in LEM
analysis and global stability). The default behavior uses the initial drained/undrained setting as
defined in the soil’s dialog.
The split button on the right controls how ground water pressures are calculated. Figure 2.6.6
below presents the available options in the drop-down menu. If we click within the button the
Water options dialog will appear (Fig. 2.6.7). In essence, from this dialog the appropriate water
pressure methodology that fits the modeled stage conditions should be selected for each stage.
Figure 2.6.6: Water analysis options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 80


Hydrostatic Water pressures are calculated as hydrostatic (γw x h)
Simplified flow Water pressures next to the walls are calculated from a 1D flow analysis
Balanced Water pressures are calculated as hydrostatic up to the excavation depth
and as simplified flow after this
Full flownet Water pressures are calculated from a 2D finite difference flownet analysis.
No drop in groundwater elevations near the walls is considered.
User pressures Switches water pressures to the user defined values. Please note that in the
NL engine, for proper modeling zero water pressures should only start on
any side from the exact water elevation on that side. In essence, do not
define zero pressure points for elevations above.
Seal excavation This is an advanced option. With this, we can seal the excavation and define
an internal water level that is higher than the excavation level. In this case it
is important to maintain positive effective vertical stress within the
excavation
Use net water Uses net water pressure when load combinations (or design approaches)
method are used. In some cases, like the Chinese code, this option should be
deselected. In this case, the driving and resisting side water pressures will
be adjusted by different load and resistance factors.

Figure 2.6.7: Water analysis options dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 81


Thrust options: The split button on the left controls the trust options for the model. Figure 2.6.8
below presents the available trust modes. If we click within the button , the Ka Kp main
options dialog appears (Figure 2.6.9). In this dialog, we can choose the procedure for calculating
lateral earth pressure coefficients. In the most cases, the full automatic procedure will deliver the
best results.
Figure 2.6.8: The thrust options button.
DeepEX automatically selects the Ka and Kp equations depending on wall friction and
seismic conditions. This mode is recommended.
User defines which equations will be used from DeepEX for Ka and Kp at every stage.

In this mode, DeepEX uses the Ka and Kp values defined in the Soils Type dialog of the
software. In this mode, a separate tab appears in this dialog for Ka and Kp values for
each soil type.

DEEP EXCAVATION 82


Figure 2.6.9: The Ka Kp main options dialog.
In this dialog the following options are available:
Full automatic procedure (automatic selection of Ka and Kp)
User input procedure
Option A: Total user input (if the user input procedure option is selected)
Option B: Approximate update of initial parameters (if the user input procedure option is
selected)
Option to enable automatic readjustment of Ka and Kp for friction angle and design approach
changes (if the option B is selected)
Option to enable automatic readjustment of Ka and Kp for surface slope angle modifications (if
the option B is selected)
Option to enable automatic readjustment of Ka and Kp for earthquake effects (if the option B is
selected)
Option to adjust Ko when friction angle changes
Option to allow modification of Ka and Kp on each stage and each design section.

DEEP EXCAVATION 83


- Include wall friction: In this area we can choose to include wall friction to the calculations
on any wall side (resisting and driving side), as well as define how the wall friction is to be
calculated.
Figure 2.6.9: Include wall friction.
Option to set the wall friction to zero
Option to add wall friction as a percentage of soil friction (0 to 100%)
Option to use a specific value for the wall friction
Choice to set vertical adhesion on Su driving (limit equilibrium analysis)
Choice to set vertical adhesion on Su resisting (limit equilibrium analysis)
Choice to also include wall friction for clays

When the “User Mode” thrust, option is selected (see Figure 2.6.8 above), user can manually
select a method for the calculation of active/passive earth coefficients.
Figure 2.6.10.A: User Mode: Include wall friction for driving side options.
Option ignore wall friction
Option to use Coulomb method (with wall friction)

DEEP EXCAVATION 84


Figure 2.6.10.A: User Mode: Include wall friction for resisting side options.
- Limit equilibrium methods – Drive Pressures: In this area we can define the type of lateral

earth pressures used on the driving side for a limit equilibrium analysis.

Figure 2.6.11: Active pressures.
DEEP EXCAVATION 85


 Active pressures: By choosing the active pressures option we can choose to use active
pressure for the driving side.
 Between Ka and Ko: DeepEX calculates and uses a value between active and at rest
pressures. User has to review and define the parameter m, as shown in Figure 2.6.12.

Figure 2.6.12: Pressures between Ka and Ko.
 At-rest pressures: By choosing the at-rest pressures option we can choose to use at-rest
pressures for the driving side.
 Peck 1969 apparent: By choosing the Peck pressures option and by pressing the button
, the Peck pressure options dialog appears.
Figure 2.6.13: The peck pressures options dialog.
In the Peck pressures options dialog, we can define the multiplier for clay pressures mClays, and
in addition there is a choice in stiff soil profiles not to allow pressures to drop to zero.
DEEP EXCAVATION 86


 Custom trapezoidal: By choosing the Custom trapezoidal pressures option and by pressing
the button , the Trapezoidal pressure options dialog appears.
Figure 2.6.14: The trapezoidal pressures options dialog.
In the trapezoidal pressures options dialog, we can define the multiplier for the active earth
pressures M, the top triangular pressure to a percentage of excavation depth from top and the
bottom triangular pressure to a percentage of excavation depth from bottom.
DEEP EXCAVATION 87


 FHWA apparent: By choosing the FHWA pressures option and by pressing the button
, the FHWA pressure options dialog appears.

Figure 2.6.15: The FHWA pressures options dialog.
Here we can define the multiplier for undrained clay pressures mClays, the multiplier for the
active earth pressures M and in addition there is a choice in stiff soil profiles not to allow pressures
to drop to zero.
 Adaptive apparent pressures: This method presents a more rational approach for creating

apparent earth pressure envelopes for sites with mixed soil stratigraphy. The method is
based on the original FHWA approach, but pressures are adjusted for each layer by
attributing a weighing factor that is calculated according to the strength of each soil.

 German EAB: By choosing this option, the apparent pressures will be calculated with the
German EAB method.

 Two step rectangular: By choosing the Two step rectangular pressures option and by
pressing the button , the Two step rectangular pressure options dialog appears. With
this option lateral earth pressures above the excavation are calculated as M1 x Hexc above
the water table and as Mz x Hexc below the water table.

DEEP EXCAVATION 88


Figure 2.6.16: The Two step rectangular pressures options dialog.
Here we can define the multiplier for above water table M1 and the multiplier below water table
M2.
 User pressures: By choosing the user pressures option and by pressing the button
the custom pressures dialog appears.

Figure 2.6.17: The custom pressures dialog.
Here we can define the values of pressures at several elevations.
DEEP EXCAVATION 89


 Automatic search method options: This button launches a dialog for controlling how the
program calculates active and passive thrusts when irregular ground surfaces are
encountered. The available options are to either
a) Perform a Culman’s method of analysis where the program computes active and
passive thrusts from a wedge search analysis, or
b) Let the program perform an automatic search analysis where the search limits are
adjusted based on user defined options.

Figure 2.6.18: Options for wedge search analysis.
The following table presents the options that are available in the wedge analysis options dialog:
Choice to use active wedges for the two walls
Choice to use passive wedges for the two walls
Choice to optimize wedge analysis
Define the minimum and maximum active and passive wedge
search limits. These limits are used when the Optimize wedge
analysis option is selected.

DEEP EXCAVATION 90


Figure 2.6.19: Options for automatic search with non-linear surfaces.
DEEP EXCAVATION 91


- Limit equilibrium methods – below grade pressures: By clicking on the button
, we can choose how lateral soil pressures below the excavation are
calculated on the driving side. In general, it is recommended to keep the Normal option
selected. The = 0 pressures option will apply zero earth pressures below the excavation, while
the Ka-Active option forces active earth pressures below excavation. There is also an option
to define soil pressures with a starting pressure and active pressure slopes above and below
the water table (Fig. 2.6.18):
Figure 2.6.20: Options for driving soil pressures below grade
Figure 2.6.21: User defined active pressure and pressure slopes below grade

DEEP EXCAVATION 92


- Limit equilibrium methods – Resist Pressures: In this area we can choose the type of
lateral earth pressures used on the resisting side. The resisting side refers to the excavation
side that is providing resistance to the driving soil (typically within the excavation).

Figure 2.6.22: Resist pressures – options for resisting pressures
1: Use passive pressures at the resisting side (Figure 2.6.23)
2: Set resisting earth pressures from passive divided by a safety factor.
(Figure 2.6.24)
3: Set resisting pressures as at-rest pressures
4: Set resisting pressures as at-rest pressures times a multiplier
5: Define passive pressures with a starting passive pressure and user
defined pressure slopes below and above the water table.
6: Option to include-edit a maximum passive pressure limit (Figure 2.6.25)
7: Option to ignore resisting pressures for a specified depth below the
excavation subgrade
8: Option to assume 3D effects for passive pressures

DEEP EXCAVATION 93


Figure 2.6.23: Passive pressures Multiplier dialog (for at-rest pressures).
Here we can define the multiplier M for the resisting at rest pressures.
Figure 2.6.24: Passive pressures Safety factor dialog.
Here we can define the safety factor FS. Passive earth pressures will be divided by this FS to obtain
the resisting earth pressures.
DEEP EXCAVATION 94


Figure 2.6.25: Maximum passive pressure limit dialog.
Here we can define the maximum passive limit sp’max. User defined pressures can be defined by
selecting the “User defined passive pressures option”, and then clicking inside the
button:

Figure 2.6.26: User defined passive pressures dialog
DEEP EXCAVATION 95


To ignore passive pressures for a specified depth below the excavation:

Figure 2.6.27: Ignoring passive soil pressures below excavation
- Limit equilibrium methods – Cantilever: In this area we can choose the method for

analyzing cantilever walls.
Figure 2.6.28: Cantilever method.
The following methods are available in DeepEX:
a) Free Earth Method
b) Fixed Earth Method
c) Rowe’s Moment Reduction Method: This method can be applied to cantilever walls in only
clay or frictional conditions. It is used to reduce free earth moments and it should be used in
caution.

DEEP EXCAVATION 96


- Limit equilibrium methods – Beam analysis options: When multiple supports are present,
DeepEX offers a number of accepted ways to analyze the beam structurally and compute
bending moments, and other design forces:

Figure 2.6.29: Wall beam analysis options
Each of the method here offers simplistic means of analyzing a braced wall, and the user
should be aware of the inherent limitations with each method (as limit-equilibrium ignores
stage interaction effects, etc.). The available analysis methods are:
d) Blum’s method: Blum’s method is a very popular analysis method in the East coast, as well

as in Germany. The method involves assuming hinges at support locations as well as at the
point of zero net loading below the excavation subgrade.
e) FHWA simple span method: The method is described in FHWA GEC4. It assumes simple
span bending between supports (with the exception of the top brace, where a continuous
beam is assumed to the 2nd bracing level or to the excavation subgrade). The method
assumes a hinge at the excavation subgrade.
f) Simple span with negative moments: Method is similar to FHWA described in b), but a hinge
is assumed below the excavation at the point of zero net loading (similar to Blum’s method.)
The program also offers a method to reduce maximum moments by introducing a negative
moment as a percent of the maximum positive span moments.
g) California Trenching and Shoring Manual 2011: This method is described in the CALTRANS
Trenching and Shoring manual (2011), and is very popular in California. The method is similar
to FHWA but fixity below the excavation is assumed at a point where rotational moments
DEEP EXCAVATION 97


about the lowest bracing level are equal to zero (considering loads below the lowest support
only). As a result, the method always computes a zero shear and zero moment at the point
of assumed fixity. The program offers the option to consider reductions in the moments by
including a negative moment percentage. Further options are available by selecting
“Additional options for California Trenching Manual approach”, as shown in Figure 2.6.30:

Figure 2.6.30: Options for Caltrans shoring manual analysis.

CALTRANS offers methods for producing smaller cantilever displacements by assuming a
virtual fixity point well above the point of moment equilibrium. While this assumption may
produce more realistic cantilever wall displacements it has a very limited theoretical basis.
In reality, this option really adjusts results to account for cases where design soil properties
are very conservative (i.e. ignoring effective cohesion, etc.).

CALTRANS also adjusts wall displacements for multiple bracing levels below the lowest
support. While little guidance is given, results consistent with what is presented in the
manual appear to be produced when the negative displacement is assumed at 15% of the
simple span displacement.
DEEP EXCAVATION 98


Consistent with California practice, some engineers choose to apply a load increase on the
topmost support brace, according to DM 7.2, pg. 103 which postulates a 15% increase in
computed brace reactions.

- Advanced options: By pressing the button , we can find some advanced choices

regarding at-rest pressures and tension gap effects for slave elements.

Figure 2.6.31: Advanced options.
Adjust Ko with friction Adjust Ko when φ’ changes due to a material change (Eurocode 7)
Allow tension gaps to form Allows the formation of tension gaps between master and slave
for slave elements nodes when slave elements have been defined (supports or wall
elements). This option can be used when liner walls have to be
modeled
- Analysis Arching: The split button is used to define the arching for non-linear

analysis. The drop-down button provides two options:
 Option to consider arching in non-linear analysis
 Options to ignore arching in non-linear analysis
By pressing on the button, the arching dialog appears (Figure 2.6.32).
DEEP EXCAVATION 99


Figure 2.6.32: Soil arching options for NL analysis dialog.
 Option to Edit advanced options
 Option to reset parameters
 Define the maximum arching reduction ratio between excavation and support
 Define ratio of height at zero arching change
 Define change of stress ratio at support
 Define span ratio above support with zero arching
 Define negative pressure arching between supports
 Option to automatically adjust arching stress method
 Option to use initial Ka stresses at lowest support to adjust arching pressures

For arching options, we recommend that the software default values should be used.
DEEP EXCAVATION 100


2.7 Slope Stability menu

Figure 2.7.1: The Slope tab menu.
- Import from DXF: By pressing the button , we can import a DXF file in DeepEX and use

the defined geometry. Some limitations in the import apply.

- Options: By pressing the button , the slope stability options dialog appears. Here we

can define the method and options for the slope stability analysis. The properties contained
in this dialog are described in paragraph 3.13.

Figure 2.7.2: The Slope stability options dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 101


- Analysis method: By pressing the button , we can define the slope stability analysis
method.

Figure 2.7.3: Slope stability analysis methods.
Bishop Use the Bishop simplified method for analyzing slope stability (only
circular surfaces)
GLE Use the Morgenstern – Price method for analyzing slope stability
Spencer Use the Spencer method for analyzing slope stability
Ordinary Use the Swedish Ordinary method for analyzing slope stability
Store intermediate With this option the program will store all intermediate slope
surface results stability surfaces and safety factors

In some design codes (such as AASHTO) minimum safety factors are defined for different
conditions (long term, short term etc.). These minimum safety factors will appear once the
analysis has been performed.
Typical slope conditions Uses a general safety factor
Temporary excavation Used for an excavation designed to last 48 hours
Temporary structure Used for a temporary long-term structure
Permanent structure Used for a permanent long-term structure
Extreme event - seismic Describes an extreme event (seismic)
Extreme event – high water Describes an extreme event (high water)

DEEP EXCAVATION 102


- Failure surface: By clicking on the button , we can define the shape of the failure surface.

Figure 2.7.4: Sliding surface shape options.
- Radius search: By clicking on the button , we can define some options for the radius

search.

Figure 2.7.5: Radius search options.
Single radius One radius
Radii passing from Radii defined from two points
specified limits
Radii between specified Radii defined from a first radius value to a second radius value
values
Radii start from wall Radius search will start from the bottom of the wall to a value
bottom defined by user

DEEP EXCAVATION 103


Draw tools: The user can use this toolbar to
- Draw the sliding surface or draw the search rectangle etc. The icons are explained in the table
below:

Icon Description
Draw a single radius failing surface.
Draw a custom failure surface by clicking on a series of points on the

screen.
Define the start and end points where the failing surface is to pass from.
Define the base limits for s block wedge analysis.
Draw a rectangular box that contains the centers of the failure surfaces
Define a single point for the center of the sliding surface (circular type
surfaces).

- Soil nails: In this area we can define the properties of soil nails used within the model.

 Soil nails table: By pressing the button , the Soil nails table appears. This table
contains the basic dimensions and properties of each soil nail. By clicking the button, we
can choose some further options regarding the slope stability analysis with soil nails. This
option can also be set for each soil nail separately.

Figure 2.7.6: Soil nails table dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 104


Figure 2.7.7: Soil nails options.
The following table contains the soil nail options that are available:
Include shear for all soil nails
Ignore shear for al soil nails
Consider only external stability
Include both external and internal analysis
Reposition nails on surface
Activate all nails
Deactivate all nails
Erase all nails permanently

External stability assumes that the soil nail fails by pullout of the nail beyond the failure surface.
When internal analysis is included, the possibility on a nail failing from the head face (internal
side) is also considered.
DEEP EXCAVATION 105


 Draw a soil nail: By pressing the button , we can add a single soil nail to the model.

To add a nail first click on the surface (head) and then on the end point of the nail.
Figure 2.7.8: Add a soil nail.
 Draw a nail group: By pressing the button , we can add a group of soil nails to the

model. To do so, click on the first point (close to the surface) and then click on the second
point.

Figure 2.7.9: Add a soil nail group.
 Analyze: By pressing the button , the program will perform a slope stability

analysis and calculate the factor of safety of the slope, without performing a wall analysis.
To use this option the general analysis must be performed, and general settings not
changed.

DEEP EXCAVATION 106


2.8 Stability+ menu

Figure 2.8.1: The Stability+ tab menu.
In this area we can control options regarding the calculation of wall embedment safety
factors, basal stability and surface settlement.

- Limit equilibrium FS: In this area we can select to use a conventional factor of safety when
the non-linear analysis is performed (Passive pressures will be calculated from LEM analysis).
- Non-linear FS: In this area we can force the passive and active force limits to be calculated
from LEM analysis.
- B.E.F. Stability: In this area we can use a Zcut command in the non-linear analysis. This
command deactivates all wall nodes below this elevation.
- Wall embedment stability equations: In this area we can control which Factors of Safety
regarding the wall embedment are included within the limit equilibrium analysis (Figure
2.8.2.)

Figure 2.8.2: The wall embedment safety equations.
DEEP EXCAVATION 107


- Basal stability and Clough method: In this area we can define whether to estimate maximum
wall displacements according to the semi-empirical Clough method. We can select from
options presented in Figure 2.8.3. By clicking on the button , the dialog in Figure 2.8.4
appears.

Figure 2.8.3: Basal stability and Clough options.
Figure 2.8.4: Basal stability and Clough options dialog.
In this form we can choose to calculate the basal stability FS, and to calculate the maximum
horizontal wall displacements with Clough method.
DEEP EXCAVATION 108


- Surface settlements: In this area we can define whether to estimate surface settlements or
not. We can select the options that are presented in Figure 2.8.5. By clicking on the button
, the dialog in Figure 2.8.6 appears. For LEM analysis, the original method uses the
Clough calculated displacements with some modification factors. These modification factors
can be enabled by selecting the “Use modifications for Clough” option.
Figure 2.8.5: The surface settlement options.
Figure 2.8.6: The settlement calculation options dialog.
The following table presents the parameters that we can define in this dialog:
Define the Sprandel length Ds in terms of the excavation height
Define the concave maximum settlement Dcmin
Inflection point constant
Settlement points (where settlement is calculated)
Cantilever Avs/Ahs (vertical Sprandel volume to horizontal displaced Sprandel volume)
Supports remain Av/Ah (ratio of vertical to horizontal volume)
Supports remove Av/Ah (ratio of vertical to horizontal volume when the supports are
removed)
Option to use Clough method in BEF analysis. This option forces the program to calculate the
horizontal displacement volume with the Clough method.

DEEP EXCAVATION 109


Building Damage Assessment (Optional Module)
DeepEX includes an additional optional module for the damage assessment of surrounding
buildings. The module estimates potential damage based on anticipated wall displacements and
structural type. Various semi-empirical methods are incorporated based on horizontal
movement, surface settlement, and angular distortion.
By pressing the button , the Building damage calculation options dialog appears
(Figure 2.8.7). In this dialog user can define the analysis method used for the damage assessment,
as well as some analysis parameters.

Figure 2.8.7: The building damage assessment options dialog.
For more information please see theory manual.
DEEP EXCAVATION 110


- Geotechnical axial capacity: In this area we can define whether to calculate axial
geotechnical capacity or not. In addition, by pressing the button the
pile calculation settings dialog appears (Figure 2.8.8). All the options included in this dialog
are described in the following table.
Figure 2.8.8: The pile calculation settings dialog.
Item Description
Allowable safety factor FSall This factor is used to divide the ultimate geotechnical pile
capacity and obtain the design service capacity.
Earthquake safety factor FSeq Safety factor applied when seismic conditions are
encountered.
End bearing safety factor FSbear Safety factor applied on ultimate end bearing capacity.
Skin friction percentage for TENSION = Tensile geotechnical resistance/Skin friction
compression resistance
Option to include end bearing (for If this option is selected, then pile end bearing will be
compression piles) included in the calculations.
Option to plug in open pipes (uses full If this option is selected, then open pipe piles will be
area) considered as plugged for end bearing capacity
calculations.
Option to use pile head for H-Beams In concreted H type pile walls, this option forces the
bearing area to always be the H beam section area.
Option to limit skin friction (limiting This option turns on the limiting skin friction theory
depth) approach for pile capacity. In this approach, a limiting skin
friction is reached at a specified depth in terms of the pile
size. Please note that while conservative, according to
many researchers this theory has been proven wrong.
Skin friction percentage for steel The wall frictional skin resistance for walls with steel in
contact with soil is controlled from this percentage.
Basically this is δ/Soil φ (%)
DEEP EXCAVATION 111


Item Description
Skin friction percentage for concrete The wall frictional skin resistance for walls with concrete
in contact with soil is controlled from this percentage.
Basically this is δ/Soil φ (%)
Option to multiply frictional resistance by The pile resistance obtained by effective soil friction can
a specific multiplier be multiplied by a factor. This factor may account
installation such as pressure grouting or loosening effects.
Option to use soil bonds for capacity If this option is selected, then the skin friction for
calculations when the wall type permits concreted walls from the soil dialog will be used when the
wall type permits (walls that have concrete in contact
with soil).
Option to multiply cohesional resistance The pile resistance obtained by adhesion (cohesive soil
by a specific multiplier component) can be multiplied by a factor. This factor may
account installation such as pressure grouting or
loosening effects.
Option to use adhesion factors With this option the soil-pile adhesion due to soil
cohesion can be calculated from a trilinear approach
where soils with greater c' or Su tend to provide smaller
adhesion.
- Geotechnical axial capacity: In this area we can define whether to calculate axial geotechnical capacity

of the piles.
DEEP EXCAVATION 112


2.9 Design menu

Figure 2.9.1: The Design tab menu.
- Code options: By clicking on or inside the button , we can define which structural code’s

settings to apply in analysis. These code settings control structural codes and other options.
Figure 2.9.2: Code options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 113


Use Eurocode 2, 3 settings Apply Eurocode settings to the design
Use EC2, 3 FS= 1.5 Apply Eurocode settings with a safety factor 1.5
Use US allowable settings Apply US allowable settings to the design
Use AISC 2010 allowable settings Apply AISC allowable settings to the design
Use US LRFD settings Apply US LRFD settings to the design
Use AASHTO (US) LRFD settings Apply AASHTO LRFD settings to the design
Use US LRFD Settings (with FS= 1.6) Apply LRFD settings with a safety factor 1.6
Use Italian DM08 settings Apply the Italian DM08 settings to the design
Enable individual codes Enables the possibility to use different codes for
concrete and steel design
Do not perform wall design This cancels the wall design
Use high seismic criteria Uses high seismic criteria for structural design
(when applicable)

Concrete Codes:
DEEP EXCAVATION 114


Steel Codes:
- Members: By clicking on the button , we can define which standards to be used in

selecting steel members and reinforcement bars.
Figure 2.9.3: Steel member code options.
In DeepEX, the following options are available:
All sizes
US sizes
European sizes
Universal beam system (UK)
South Korean sizes
Chinese standards
Australian sizes
Canadian sizes (AISC Metric)

DEEP EXCAVATION 115


- General settings: This dialog allows you to select some default settings that are typical in a
specific country (units, design codes, safety factors, size standards, etc.).
Figure 2.9.4: General settings.
- Wall STR Safety: In this area we can define the wall structural Factor of Safety. This factor is

used to divide the yield wall capacity and produce the design wall capacity.

Figure 2.9.5: Wall STR safety options.
- Include axial load on walls: With this option we can include axial loads on walls from tiebacks

etc. Please note that these loads are not factored.
- Tiebacks Safety: In this area we can define the geotechnical Factor of Safety used for
calculating the design pullout capacity of a tieback. By selecting the Custom STR option, the
allowable stress factor for tieback steel can be manually defined for all tiebacks in this design
section (Capacity = factor x Asteel x Fy). Please note that certain design codes will overwrite
this setting (EC7, DM08 etc.).

DEEP EXCAVATION 116


Figure 2.9.6: Tieback safety options.
- Load combinations: In DeepEX 2018 we can define different load combinations, assigning to

them the loads that exist on the current model. This allows user to calculate different load
combinations fast. Since we need to define load combinations, we should press the button
over the Options button. This will cause the Load combinations dialog to appear (Figure
2.9.8).
Figure 2.9.7: Load combinations options.
Figure 2.9.8: Load combinations dialog.
In this dialog user can:
 Add a new combination
 Delete selected combination
 Copy combination
 Paste combination
 Delete all combinations
All loads that have been defined on the model in any stage, appear in the respective area (Line
loads, strip surcharges, footings, buildings, 3D loads). Next to each load there is a drop-down
menu, that defines the load behavior. The following options are available:
DEEP EXCAVATION 117


 Automatic
 Favorable
 Unfavorable
 Ignore load
User can create several load combinations. Through the drop-down list in the Design tab of
DeepEX we can define which load combination is used in the specific design section (see Figure
2.9.7).
- Wall embedment optimization: In this area we can choose to optimize wall embedment
safety factors regarding the conventional analysis. Please note that this option should only
be used when one wall is present, and it is available only when a limit-equilibrium analysis
is performed. The Min Toe Safety, is the minimum wall embedment safety factor that is
desired (for the current stage), while the Length increment DL is used by the program as the
wall length increment for evaluating the new safety factors.
Figure 2.9.9: Wall embedment optimization options.
- Sheet pile corrosion
When we select to use sheet piles in the model (by double clicking on the wall and assigning a
sheet pile section), then an additional button appears in the Design tab of DeepEX. By pressing
on the button , a dialog appears that allows user to define corrosion effects by examining the
design life of the structure. This option is usually applied to an additional final stage, after the last
excavation stage. This dialog and the available options and properties are presented in Paragraph 3.7.3.
DEEP EXCAVATION 118


2.10 Results menu

Figure 2.10.1: The Results tab menu.
This tab contains a list of results that can be either viewed on the model or presented in diagrams
or tables. Results can be presented when the analysis has been completed.
Icon Description
Wall embedment Safety Factors
Global Slope Stability Factor of Safety
Global Slope Factor of Safety Contours
Results for slope stability slices
Show all slope stability results (when intermediate surfaces are stored)

Show interslice forces and other forces for slope stability analysis:

Last option shows critical sliding surfaces for determining Ka and Kp from
automatic search methods.
Wall bending moment
Wall shear
Wall Axial force
Wall Displacement (horizontal)
Surface settlements

Support reactions

Combined capacity ratio (Moment and Axial force combined check)

Moment capacity ratio = Actual moment/Design wall moment capacity

≤ 1.0 Good
Shear capacity ratio = Actual shear/Design wall shear capacity
≤ 1.0 Good
Structural capacity ratios for supports = Actual load/design capacity
DEEP EXCAVATION 119


Wall moment capacity
Wall shear capacity
Effective horizontal soil pressure
Total vertical stress
Effective vertical stress
Net total wall pressures
Wall surcharge
Seismic pressures
Net water pressure
Water pressure on walls
Hydraulic gradient

Minimum – Maximum values

Local result envelopes: shows envelopes of results for current design section
Global envelope: shows envelopes of results for all linked design sections
Result tables: Launches a results table

Water pressure shadings (when a flow net analysis has been performed)
Water head shadings (when a flow net analysis has been performed)
Water head grid (when a flow net analysis has been performed)
Hydraulic safety factor (when a flow net analysis has been performed)
Total vertical stress shadings (when a flow net analysis has been performed)
Effective vertical stress shadings (when a flow net analysis has been
performed)
Project cost
Show shear strength for elastoplastic analysis
Hide results for wall elements (show results only for main walls)

In addition, we can choose to see result diagrams on a separate form by pressing the button
.
DEEP EXCAVATION 120


2.11 Report menu

From the Report tab we can control options for viewing reports in pdf or word formats as well
as see summary tables of all calculations.
Figure 2.11.1: The Reports tab menu.
Figure 2.11.2: Report options.
Option to create a quick report
Option to create a quick report and include slope stability
Option to create an only stage graphs report
Option to create a typical report
Option to use saved templates

DEEP EXCAVATION 121


- Report - print: By pressing the button , the Reports dialog appears. In this dialog we

can choose what parts of calculations and results we wants to be included in the reports and
the type of file to be exported.

Figure 2.11.3: The Report dialog.
- Show calculations for stage: By pressing the button , an xml file opens, containing

all calculations that have been performed in the current stage.

- Calculation Warnings: By pressing the button , the Calculation warnings dialog appears.

Here we can see general warnings that are generated when calculations have been
performed.

Figure 2.11.4: Calculation warnings.
DEEP EXCAVATION 122


- Calculation summary for all design sections – current design section: By pressing the button
, the Calculation Summary dialog appears. This dialog presents a list of results for
all and each one individual design section. Select the option to
show available results for one design section. The option controls if
results for additional wall elements are included in the model.

Figure 2.11.5: Calculation summary dialog.

- Current stage (screen): This creates a preview of the model as it appears on the screen.
(This preview can then be printed).

- BEF Raw data - results: By pressing one of the buttons here, a .TXT document is created,
containing the input or output data of the model for the non-linear analysis.

- Calculation progress file: By pressing one of the buttons here, a .TXT document is created,
containing the solution progress file that contains basic progress calculations during the
analysis.

DEEP EXCAVATION 123


2.12 View menu

Figure 2.12.1: The View tab menu.
- Transparency: By pressing the button we can make the model transparent when

results are shown. The transparency can be adjusted from the vertical bar.
- Result legend: By pressing the button we can turn the result legend on or off.
- Moment shear diagrams: By pressing the button we can change the view settings of

the moment and shear diagrams.
- Pressure diagrams: By pressing the button we can change the view settings of the
pressure diagrams.
- Display results: By pressing the button we can change the display settings of the
results.

- User axis position: By pressing the button we can change the axis position
(elevation).

- Grid/snap: By pressing the button we can change the view options of the snap and
axis or show a grid.

- Zoom and Dimension: These icons are explained in chapter 2.3.1.

- Top view: By pressing the button , a top plan view of the site is created. This allows
the user to see the position of the design section and the location of 3D objects (i.e.
buildings, footing loads etc.).

DEEP EXCAVATION 124


2.13 Optimize menu

Figure 2.13.1: The Optimize tab menu.
- Redesign options: By pressing the button , the structural redesign – optimization dialog

appears. Here we can define the redesign options for walls and supports.

Figure 2.13.2: The redesign - optimization dialog – Walls tab.
The table below presents the options that are available in the walls tab:
Option to keep section within limits: Keeps the optimized section within the specified
limits from the original section.
Define the maximum (D+) and minimum (D-) limit, if the previous option is selected
Choice that the redesigned sheet pile wall must be of the same manufacturer
Minimum and maximum bar sizes for diaphragm walls and concrete elements

DEEP EXCAVATION 125


Figure 2.13.3: The redesign - optimization dialog – Tiebacks tab.
The table below presents the options that are available in the tiebacks tab:
Define the maximum length Lmax
Define the minimum length Lmin
DL = Length increment for optimization

Figure 2.13.4: The redesign - optimization dialog – Struts tab.
DEEP EXCAVATION 126


The table below presents the options that are available in the struts tab:
Option to keep section within limits (from original dimensions)
Define the maximum (D+) and minimum (D-) limit, if the previous option is selected
Define the maximum (DPmax) and minimum (DPmin) pipe diameter
Define the maximum (Tp_max) and minimum (Tp_min) pipe diameter

Figure 2.13.5: The redesign - optimization dialog – Slabs tab.
The table below presents the options that are available in the slabs tab:
Minimum and maximum bar sizes for slabs

- Auto design a design section: By pressing the button after the calculations are

performed, the program performs an automatic structural optimization of all model
supports and walls.
- Auto design a support: By pressing the button after the calculations are performed

and choosing a support, the program performs an automatic structural optimization of the
selected support.

- Auto design a wall: By pressing the button after the calculations are performed and

choosing a wall, the program performs an automatic structural optimization of the selected
wall.

DEEP EXCAVATION 127


- Auto design fixed length for a ground anchor: By pressing the button after the

calculations are performed and choosing a ground anchor, the program performs an
automatic optimization of the fixed length of the selected ground anchor.

- Cost options: Cost options are available with the Cost-estimations module within DeepEX.
Here we can calculate project costs with the general calculation of the project, or we can
choose to estimate cost without wall analysis, by pressing the button .
By pressing the button . The cost options dialog appears (Figure 2.13.6). In this dialog
we can define several cost properties and options that should be considered to better
estimate the project cost. The cost module does not produce exact costs. It is used to
produce rough project cost estimations. The main idea is that costs are subdivided into
installation and material costs. Installation costs include labor and equipment while material
costs refer to the actual material cost as delivered on site.

Figure 2.13.6: The cost options dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 128


2.14 Help menu

Figure 2.14.1: The Help tab menu.
- What is new: By pressing the button , we can check what is new in the latest version of

DeepEX.

- Open help manual: By pressing the button , we can open the DeepEX help file.

Figure 2.14.2: The DeepEX help file.
DEEP EXCAVATION 129


- Manuals: By pressing the buttons and , the folders that contain the

technical documentation and the theory manual of DeepEX are displayed.

- Other: By pressing the buttons and , the user can read the terms of use of

DeepEX and learn about the current version.

- Settings: by pressing the button , the Default Settings dialog appears.
 General tab: In this tab we can define the default units, company and engineer name
and the Auto save directory. The option save files in default directory saves temporary
progress files in the folder where the .deep file is saved.

Figure 2.14.3: Settings – General Tab.
DEEP EXCAVATION 130


 Fonts/View tab: In this tab we can define the fonts and some other viewing options.

Figure 2.14.4: Settings – Fonts/View Tab.
The available view options are:
 Show axes.
 Show soil information.
 Show soil layers on left side of model.
 Show Ka and Kp values next to the wall.
 Show assumptions table on model.

Furthermore, here we can define some view options regarding the result presentation.
DEEP EXCAVATION 131


 Soil/Properties tab: Here we can define the steel member standard (European or US)
and whether to read the members metric database or not.
Figure 2.14.5: Settings – Soil/Properties Tab.
 Design tab: Here we can define the default code used for structural design of steel and
concrete members.

Figure 2.14.6: Settings – Design Tab.
DEEP EXCAVATION 132


 Non-linear tab: Here we can define the default folder location for Non-linear analysis
engine. It is recommended that the initial settings are not modified.
Figure 2.14.7: Settings – Non-linear Tab.
IMPORTANT: In order to change the software default settings, you have to start the software as
administrator, open the Settings dialog from the Help tab and press to set the current project as
default.
1. With the software closed, take your mouse over the software icon in your Desktop
and RIGHT-CLICK on it.
2. From the menu that appears, please select to run the software as administrator.
- Examples: by pressing the buttons , or the folders that contain the
example files of DeepEX are displayed
DEEP EXCAVATION 133


CHAPTER 3: DATA ENTRY

DEEP EXCAVATION 134


3.1 Data entry: General

DeepEX is a very user-friendly software program and includes powerful features and versatile
options. The main interface is shown below. The general philosophy in creating an excavation
model in DeepEX is:
1) Specify the global coordinates
2) Specify the soil types and properties
3) Specify the layers
4) Create a generalized water table
5) Specify the retaining wall system (soldier pile, sheet pile, secant pile, tangent pile, and
diaphragm wall options).
6) Create a database of support members (tiebacks, struts, or concrete slabs)
7) Add a stage and draw in new supports
8) Modify the stage elevations
9) Analyze the project.
This chapter describes the data that should be entered by the user in order to create a proper
excavation model.
DEEP EXCAVATION 135


3.2 Design codes

DeepEX includes all Eurocode and AASHTO LRFD load specifications. The design approach can be
selected from the Analysis tab. There, by pressing the “Single” button, the user can choose to
include the factors of a single load case of a specification to the model (Figure 3.2.1). By pressing
the “Mult.” button, we can choose to generate all load cases of a specification. With this choice,
several new design sections are created automatically, including each one a different load case of
the selected specification (Figure 3.2.2). Each newly generated design section is automatically
linked to its parent design section (all settings except design approach and load combinations).
Figure 3.2.1: Single load case Figure 3.2.2: Multiple load cases
The table below presents a list of main load specifications included in DeepEX.
Code Country
DM 08 Italy
BS EN-1997-1 DA1 Great Britain
DIN - 1054 Germany
XP 94 France
Eurocode 7 Greece Greece
AASHTO LRFD 5th USA
Eurocode 7 Europe, general
PEN DOT AASHTO (2012) USA
CALTRANS LRFD USA
Chinese Load Combinations China

DEEP EXCAVATION 136


By selecting the Select Standard Code choice of the Single load case list, the dialog of Figure
3.2.3 appears. In this dialog we can define the design code and specify the load case that should
be used in the current design section.
Figure 3.2.3: Select Standard Code dialog.
By selecting to generate all load cases of a specification (i.e. all AASHTO LRFD cases), after the
new design sections are automatically created, the user can read the factors used in each load
case by pressing the “Mult.” button. Then, the Summary of Soil codes dialog appears (Figure
3.2.4). In this dialog, we can manually define load combinations. (Figure 3.2.5)
Figure 3.2.4: The Summary of Soil codes dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 137


By selecting some options (i.e. US codes in case we use European standards for concrete and steel
for the design), we are asked to confirm the change to these standards as well.
The table below presents the load combination factors that are contained in the Design
approach tab of the summary of soil codes dialog:
Seismic multiplier Factor for earthquake loads
Variable loads factor Load factor for variable loads (traffic etc.)
Permanent loads factor Load factor for permanent loads
Temporary anchors factor Partial resistance factor for temporary anchors (typical design
life ≤2 years
Permanent anchors factor Partial resistance factor for temporary anchors (typical design
life ≤2 years
Tan of the friction angle factor Factor for the soil’s friction angle
Effective cohesion factor Factor for the soil’s effective cohesion
Shear strength factor Partial safety factor on undrained shear strength
Earth favorable factor Partial safety factor on earth pressures (on the resisting side)
Earth unfavorable factor Partial safety factor on earth pressures (on the driving side)
Water unfavorable factor Partial safety factor on water pressures (on the resisting side)
Water favorable factor Partial safety factor on water pressures (on the driving side)
Hydraulic favorable factor Partial factor for hydraulic heave checks
Hydraulic unfavorable factor Partial factor for hydraulic heave checks
Uplift favorable factor Partial factor for uplift checks
Uplift unfavorable factor Partial factor for uplift checks
Used structural wall safety Applied safety factor on ultimate wall capacity
factor
Nails qS factor Partial factor for ultimate bond resistance for soil nails with
presumptive values (from charts)
Nails qS (tests) factor Partial factor for ultimate bond resistance for soil nails with
values from actual in-situ tests
Pressuremeter PL factor Factor for pressure limit of pressuremeter test
Tan of the nail friction angle Factor for the nail’s friction angle
factor
Effective cohesion for nail Parameter that is used within the soil mass enclosed within
mass factor soil nails
Undrained shear strength for Parameter that is used within the soil mass enclosed within
nail mass factor soil nails

DEEP EXCAVATION 138


Figure 3.2.5: User defined combinations.
The table below presents the factors that are contained in the user defined combinations tab of
the summary of soil codes dialog:
Option to define if the This option enables the serviceability checking for
combination Is service (SLS) concrete cracking
F(tan(fr)) Tan of the friction angle factor
F(c’) Effective cohesion factor
F(Su) Shear strength factor
F(wall) Overall safety factor on wall capacity
F(temp load) Temporary load factor
F(perm load) Permanent load factor
F(temp sup.) Temporary support factor
(perm sup.) Permanent support factor F
Fg(Dstab) Factor for destabilizing gravity loads
Fg(stab) Factor for stabilizing gravity loads
F(Earth Res) Resisting earth factor. This factor is used to divide earth
pressures
F(Earth Drive) Driving earth factor
F(Water Drive) Driving water factor
F(Water Res) Resisting water factor
FHyd (stab) Hydraulic stabilizing factor (used in hydraulic heave
calculations)
Hydraulic destabilizing factor Hydraulic destabilizing factor (used in hydraulic heave
FHyd (dStab) calculations)
DEEP EXCAVATION 139


Option to use multiplication If this option is selected, then the initial non-linear
analysis is standardized by F(earth drive). The non-linear
analysis is then performed, and the obtained results are
amplified by F(earth drive) to obtain the ultimate design
wall moments/shears and support reactions
Option to use F(wall) Select this option to enable F(wall)
Option to use custom safety Select this option to use a custom safety factor for
factor for qskin ultimate bond resistance for tiebacks
Anchors qskin factor Partial safety factor for ultimate bond resistance for
tiebacks
Soil nails qskin factor Partial safety factor for ultimate bond resistance for soil
nails
Pressuremeter PL factor FS Pressuremeter PL factor: factor for pressure limit of
PL(nails) pressuremeter test for soil nails
Tan of the nail friction angle Tan of the nail friction angle factor for soil nail mass
factor F(Fr nail mass)
Effective cohesion for nail Effective cohesion for nail mass factor
mass factor F(c’ nail mass)
F(Su nail mass) Undrained shear strength for nail mass factor
Use FS_STR_Nails Option to use structural factor of safety for soil nails
FSstrNail Structural factor of safety for soil nails
Divide Fpassive at end With this option the wall embedment GEO checks are
performed separately after the basic wall analysis. Hence,
the STR and GEO checks in EC7 can be separated
Use soil nail facing FS Forces the program to include a structural safety factor for
soil nail facings
Soil nail facing permanent
safety factor
Option to use soil
reinforcement safety factor*
Steelstrips Static safety
factor*
Steelstrips Seismic safety
factor*
Steelgrids Static safety factor*
Steelgrids Seismic safety
factor*
Geosynthetics Static safety
factor*
Geosynthetics Seismic safety
factor*
* The soil reinforcement safety factors are included and refer to a future module.
DEEP EXCAVATION 140


3.3 Data entry: Project information

By clicking on the button , the Project Information dialog appears (Figure 3.3.1). In this dialog
we can specify the Project Name, file number (or job number) and the name of the engineer
preparing the analysis.
Figure 3.3.1: Project information dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 141


3.4 Data entry: Soil Data

By pressing the Edit soil type data button of the General tab, the Soil Types dialog appears. Here
the user can create as many soil types as needed and define their properties. First the user should
select to add a new soil type, or choose one from the list in order to modify its properties (Figure
3.4.1).
Figure 3.4.1: Add a new soil or select a soil to modify.
DEEP EXCAVATION 142


We can change the basic soil information such as soil name, preview color and soil type. The
available soil types are Sand, Clay, Silt, Gravel, Intermediate geomaterial and Rock. If the soil is
clay, a drained or undrained behavior of the clay can be defined at this point. All these details can
be modified in the area presented in Figure 3.4.2. Next, the user can modify the general soil
properties in the area marked in Figure 3.4.3. The basic properties are described in the table
below.
Symbol Description
γt Total unit weight of soil (used below the water table)
γdry Dry unit weight of soil (used above the water table)
c’ Effective soil cohesion
Su Undrained shear strength (used for clays when undrained modeling is
selected). In the non-linear analysis this is used as an upper limit strength
v Poisson’s ratio (used for loads calculated with theory of elasticity)
Φ’ Effective soil friction angle
Φcv’ Constant volume effective shearing soil friction angle used in the non-
linear analysis for clays
Φpeak’ Peak effective soil friction angle used in the non-linear analysis for clays
Kx Soil permeability at horizontal direction
Kz Soil permeability at vertical direction
KoNC Coefficient of at-rest lateral earth pressures for normally consolidated
conditions
nOCR Exponent for calculating Ko with Ko=KoNC*[(OCR)^(nOCR)]

DEEP EXCAVATION 143


Figure 3.4.2: Define basic soil information.
Figure 3.4.3: Define main soil data.
DEEP EXCAVATION 144


If the user presses the Show Test Data button the dialog expands to the right. Here are available
tools for estimating main soil data properties from in-situ tests. Data for standard penetration
tests, cone penetrometer tests and pressuremeter tests are included (Figures 3.4.4 and 3.4.5).
Figure 3.4.4: Test Data.
Figure 3.4.5: SPT Estimator.
DEEP EXCAVATION 145


In addition, next to the main data there is the symbol . This symbol opens a list of tools that can
help the user estimate the soil data values according to published literature. Depending on the
soil parameter, the software will either recommend specific values, or it will guide the user to
define some test data and open graphs according to scientific methods.
The tab B. Resistance is initially hidden. It appears when the user selects the User input procedure
at the Ka Kp main options dialog (which appears when the user selects the Thrust options choice
of the Analysis tab menu, see paragraph 2.9). In this tab, the user can define the initial active and
passive coefficients calculation method (Figure 3.4.6). Ka can be calculated by Rankine Equation,
or estimated from Graph Correlations (Figure 3.4.7). Kp can be defined either graphically, or by
the Rankine or Caquot equations. It is strongly recommended that all initial Ka and Kp values are
set to Rankine unless special conditions have to be modeled.
Figure 3.4.6: Ka and Kp calculation (when manual option is selected in thrust mode).
DEEP EXCAVATION 146


Figure 3.4.7: Graph correlations.
Next, in the tab C we can define the soil elasticity behavior of each soil type (Figure 3.4.8). The
elasticity model can be linearly elastic – perfectly plastic, exponential, subgrade-modulus
behavior or HS small. There are some tools that can help the user estimate loading and reloading
elasticity as well as other parameters. In general, the reloading modulus for soils is taken as three
times (or greater) than the loading modulus.

DEEP EXCAVATION 147


Figure 3.4.8: Loading – reloading elasticity parameters.
The following table presents the properties that are available in the C. Elastoplastic tab:
Symbol Description
Elastic-plastic soil Evc Virgin compression modulus of elasticity
behavior rEur Ratio of Reloading to loading elasticity modulus
(typical range 3 to 5)
Eload Loading elasticity modulus
exp Exponent
av Coefficient for vertical stress
Exponential soil
ah Coefficient for horizontal stress
behavior
Pref Reference pressure
rEur Ratio of Reloading to loading elasticity modulus
(typical range 3 to 5)
Subgrade-modulus Kvc Loading subgrade reaction modulus
soil behavior rKur Ration of reloading to loading subgrade reaction
modulus

Finally, if tiebacks or soil nails are going to be used in the model, the user has to define or estimate
the Ultimate Bond Resistance.
DEEP EXCAVATION 148


Figure 3.4.9: Ultimate Bond Resistance definition.
The following table presents the properties that are available in the D. Bond tab:
Symbol Description
qskin.u Ultimate bond resistance for tiebacks
ks Subgrade modulus for calculating the shear resistance (in slope stability
for soil nails)
qskin.u Ultimate bond resistance for soil nails
qskin.u Ultimate bond resistance for concrete type walls (geotechnical pile
capacity calculations).

DEEP EXCAVATION 149


3.5 Data entry: Soil Layers

By pressing the Borings button of the General tab, the Soil Layers dialog appears. Here we
add or remove soil layers, specify their top elevation and the soil type to be used. In addition, we
can define the exact position of the boring on the screen. This dialog also appears if the user
double-clicks on the boring, or if he selects it from the tree view. All these are presented in Figure
3.5.1. The OCR (over consolidation ratio) can be defined herein. The user can include as many
borings as desired. Each independent design section can include a different boring.

Figure 3.5.1: The soil layers dialog.
With clays in the elastoplastic analysis, the OCR is very important as clay strength increases with
increased OCR.
DEEP EXCAVATION 150


- Generate design sections from SPT: If one or more SPT records are defined, the program
can replicate the current design section and assign an SPT log to each design section. In
such a case, it is important that a separate boring (soil layers) are prescribed so that the
stratigraphy matches the available SPT record on each design section.
Figure 2.5.2: SPT records options dialog.
- CPT logs: by pressing the button , we can see the dialog of figure

2.5.3. CPT records can be used within DeepEX, with the program being able to export soil
properties by processing CPT logs.
DEEP EXCAVATION 151


Figure 2.5.3: Available CPT records options.

The following options are also available in the properties tab of DeepEX, related to the
CPT logs:

Shows CPT tip resistance on model (CPT log has to be applied)
Sleeve friction (CPT log has to be applied)
Standard soil description for CPT tests according to Robertson (CPT log has to
be applied)
Water pressure (CPT log has to be applied)

DEEP EXCAVATION 152


3.6 Data entry: Water

In the Analysis tab, the user can select the water analysis method. DeepEX contains the
following water analysis methods:
 Hydrostatic
 Simplified flow
 Full flownet
 User pressures

The option Seal Excavation (create liner) seals the bottom of the excavation against water flow.
Figure 3.6.1: Water options.
The user is asked after choosing one of the methods above whether to apply this to all
construction stages or to apply it only to the current stage. All these options have been presented
in paragraph 2.6.
DEEP EXCAVATION 153


3.7 Data entry: Wall data

In DeepEX, each wall within the model uses a wall section. A wall section can be used in many
walls across many design sections. By double clicking on a wall or by choosing a wall from the tree
view, the Edit wall data dialog appears. The following options are available:
 Edit the wall name
 Select/Edit the wall section properties
 Define wall top elevation
 Define wall depth
 Option to use a custom passive elevation
 Option to define if the wall is permeable
 Option to include wall weight in the analysis
 Define wall coordinates and number of nodes used in LEM calculations.
 Option to rotate wall from vertical and inclination angle
Figure 3.7.1: Wall data dialog and general tab
DEEP EXCAVATION 154


Figure 3.7.2: Wall data dialog and advanced tab.
The element-behaves-as-slave option controls if the wall is connected to the slave nodes
(advanced option). With slave nodes it is possible to attach a wall to secondary parallel nodes
(non-linear analysis). Then tension gap effects can be modeled between the main wall nodes and
the slave nodes if the option is selected from the Analysis tab under advanced.
For the beam continuity it is recommended to keep all options selected.
DEEP EXCAVATION 155


3.7.1 Data entry: Wall sections
Wall sections are databases of wall properties that can be used in any wall within a design
section.
Figure 3.7.1.1: Edit wall properties dialog.
The following table presents the dimension properties that are available in the wall sections
dialog:
Symbol Description
d The width of the wall
S The horizontal spacing of the wall
Passive Passive horizontal tributary width
width
Active Active horizontal tributary width
width
Water Water horizontal tributary width
width

DEEP EXCAVATION 156


DeepEX contains the wall types that are presented in the table below. The data entry of each wall
type will be described in the following paragraphs.
Option Description
Select this option to use a soldier pile and lagging wall,
supported by H-section steel beams. This option will
deactivate all other wall type parameters.
supported by reinforced concrete beams. This option
will deactivate all other wall type parameters.

supported by pipe-section steel beams. This option

supported by pipe-section steel beams, filled with
concrete. This option will deactivate all other wall type
parameters.
supported by channel-section steel beams. This
option will deactivate all other wall type parameters.

supported by double channel-section steel beams.
This option will deactivate all other wall type
parameters.
supported by plain concrete beams. This option will

DEEP EXCAVATION 157


supported by timber piles. This option will deactivate
all other wall type parameters.

Wall Type - Sheet Piles
Select this option to use a sheet pile wall. This option

Select this option to use a secant pile wall, supported
by H-section steel beams. This option will deactivate
by reinforced concrete piles. This option will
by pipe-section steel beams, filled with concrete. This
Select this option to use a secant pile wall. This option
by channel-section steel beams. This option will
by double channel-section steel beams. This option
DEEP EXCAVATION 158


by reinforced concrete piles. The secondary piles can
be reinforced as well. This option will deactivate all
other wall type parameters.
by H-section steel beams. The secondary piles can be
reinforced as well. This option will deactivate all other
wall type parameters.
Select this option to use a tangent pile wall, supported
by H-section steel beams. This option will deactivate
by reinforced concrete piles. This option will
by -section steel beams, filled with concrete. This
by double channel-section steel beams. This option
Select this option to use a tangent pile wall. This

by channel-section steel beams. This option will
DEEP EXCAVATION 159


Select this option to use diaphragm wall. This option
Select this option to use T-section diaphragm wall. This

Select this option to use inverted T-section diaphragm
wall. This option will deactivate all other wall type
parameters.

Select this option to use a soldier pile and tremied

concrete wall, supported by H-section steel beams.
This option will deactivate all other wall type
parameters.

concrete wall, supported by double channel-section
steel beams. This option will deactivate all other wall
type parameters.

concrete wall, supported by -section steel beams,
filled with concrete. This option will deactivate all

concrete wall, supported by channel-section steel
beams. This option will deactivate all other wall type
parameters.
Select this option to create a wall with manually

defined properties. This option will deactivate all

DEEP EXCAVATION 160


Select this option to use a combined wall with H-
section beams and sheet piles. This option will
deactivate all other wall parameters.
Select this option to use a combined wall with double
H-section beams and sheet piles. This option will
Select this option to use a combined wall with pipe

section beams and sheet piles. This option will

Select this option to use a box sheet pile wall with CAZ
sheet pile sections. This option will deactivate all other
wall parameters.

Select this option to use a box sheet pile wall with CUZ
sheet pile sections. This option will deactivate all other
wall parameters.
By clicking on the button of the wall sections dialog, the dialog in Figure 3.7.2.b appears. This
dialog contains useful information regarding the passive and active widths.
DEEP EXCAVATION 161


Figure 3.7.1.2: Help for passive and active widths dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 162


3.7.2 Wall type: Soldier piles

At the wall sections dialog, we user can choose to use a soldier pile wall. The user can choose to
use a standard steel section from the area marked in Figure 3.7.2.1. DeepEX includes all European
and US standard sections. In this dialog can modify the dimensions of the wall.

Figure 3.7.2.1: General section and dimensions for Soldier pile walls.
In E. Lagging tab (Figure 3.7.2.2), we can modify the lagging properties, such us the lagging type
(timber or concrete), and the lagging thickness and section. Finally, here we can also define the
lagging position in the wall.
Figure 3.7.2.2: Lagging properties.
DEEP EXCAVATION 163


The following table presents the options that are included in this dialog tab.
Parameter Description
Option to use Timber Defines the lagging type, allowing user to define the exact
or Concrete lagging parameters
Defines the timber lagging section from the provided options
Timber lagging
(it can be edited)
Lagging thickness Defines the lagging thickness
Defines the timber material (option to use construction timber
Mat.
or regular grade)
Defines the concrete lagging section from the provided
Concrete lagging
options (it can be edited)
Defines the lagging arch angle (0 deg means parallel to the
Arch Angle
wall)
Defines the lagging position according to the wall piles.
Provided options:
 Left side outside of pile face
Lagging position  Left side inside pile flange
 Center of the wall
 Right side outside of pile face
 Right side inside pile flange
Defines the calculation method for the lagging.
Provided options:
Calculation Method  California trenching and shoring manual
 Full active earth pressures
 User defined
Defines the bending moments and shear calculation method.
Provided options:
Bending and shear
 Simple span bending
calculations
 50% pressure at center
 User defined

In B. Steel Beams tab, we can define the steel beam properties or select a standard section. The
section can either be a normal H-section (Figures 3.7.2.3 and 3.7.2.4), a single or double channel
section (Figures 3.7.2.5 and 3.7.2.6) or a Pipe section, filled or not with concrete (Figures 3.7.2.7
and 3.7.2.8).
The reduced steel pipe capacity due to threads option reduces the section modulus of a steel
pipe to account for strength reductions due to the presence of threads in the piping. Fully
welded pipes will likely provide all the theoretical capacity and will likely not require that this
feature is activated.
DEEP EXCAVATION 164


The available section properties are presented and described in the table below.
Symbol Description
D Depth or diameter
A Area
Ixx Strong axis moment of inertia
Iyy Weak axis moment of inertia
Sxx Strong axis elastic section modulus
Syy Weak axis elastic section modulus
rx Strong axis radius of gyration
ry Weak axis radius of gyration
Zxx Strong axis plastic section modulus
Zyy Weak axis plastic section modulus
tP Thickness
J Rotational moment of inertia
W Wrapping constant

Figure 3.7.2.3: T-sections.
The parameters unsupported length Lb and unsupported length Lx factor below excavation
control the buckling calculations for the wall capacity.
Some other useful options like Reduce steel pipe capacity due to threads and Effectiveness of
concrete for stiffness calculations are available in this dialog (Figure 3.7.2.9). Finally, the user can
manually set the section properties my choosing the Edit strut properties manually option (Figure
3.7.2.10).
DEEP EXCAVATION 165


Figure 3.7.2.4: H-section soldier pile wall plan.
Figure 3.7.2.5: Double channel sections.
DEEP EXCAVATION 166


Figure 3.7.2.6: Double channel section soldier pile wall plan.
Figure 3.7.2.7: Pipe sections filled with concrete.
DEEP EXCAVATION 167


Figure 3.7.2.8: Pipe section filled with concrete soldier pile wall plan.
Figure 7.3.2.9: Other options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 168


Figure 7.3.2.10: Edit sections manually.

DEEP EXCAVATION 169


3.7.3 Wall type: Sheet piles

At the wall sections dialog, we can select to use sheet pile walls. The user can choose to use a
standard sheet pile section from the area marked in Figure 3.7.3.1.
Figure 3.7.3.1: General section and dimensions for sheet pile walls.
In C. sheet piles tab (Figure 3.7.3.2), we can change the sheet pile properties. These properties
are presented in the following table. Figure 3.7.3.3 shows the plan of a sheet pile wall as
presented in F. Draw tab.
Symbol Description
h Height
A Area
b Base length
tf Flange thickness
s Web thickness
α Base angle of web from horizontal axis

DEEP EXCAVATION 170


Figure 3.7.3.1: Sheet pile properties.
Figure 3.7.3.2: Sheet pile wall plan.
DEEP EXCAVATION 171


When we select to use sheet piles in the model (by double clicking on the wall and assigning a
sheet pile section), then an additional button appears in the Design tab of DeepEX. By pressing
on the button , the Sheep pile corrosion options dialog appears (Figure 3.7.3.3). In this dialog user
can choose to examine the design life of the structure, adding corrosion effects to the sheet pile walls. This
option is usually applied to an additional final stage, after the last excavation stage.

Figure 3.7.3.3: Sheet pile corrosion options dialog.
Option to examine design life
Define the design life (in years)
Choose to define corrosion rates or thickness loss properties
Define corrosion rate or thickness loss in splash zone (high attack)
Define corrosion rate or thickness loss in soil
Define corrosion rate or thickness loss in intertidal zone
Option to use absolute water elevations
Define water elevations (mean high water, low water table, splash depth zone)
Define the minimum recommended thickness for sheet piles
Option to examine minimum section properties percentage

DEEP EXCAVATION 172


3.7.4 Wall type: Secant - tangent piles

At the wall sections dialog, we can select to use secant pile or tangent pile walls. The user can
choose to use a standard steel section for the piles from the area marked in Figure 3.7.4.1. DeepEX
includes all European and US standard sections.
Figure 3.7.4.1: General steel section and dimensions for secant pile walls.
In B. steel beams tab (Figure 3.7.4.2), the user can modify the steel section properties. These
properties are presented and described in the table below. The section can either be a normal T-
section (Figures 3.7.4.3 and 3.7.4.4), a channel section with one or two channels (Figures 3.7.4.5
and 3.7.4.6) or a Pipe section, filled or not with concrete (Figures 3.7.4.7 and 3.7.4.8). User can
choose to have multiple unreinforced piles with the same or different section size than the
reinforced ones (Figure 3.7.4.9). Finally, in the Steel Beams or Concrete-Rebar tab of DeepEX
(depending on the selected wall type), user can assign different reinforcement sections for the
secondary piles (Figures 3.7.4.10 and 3.7.4.11).
DEEP EXCAVATION 173


Figure 3.7.4.2: Steel section properties.
Figure 3.7.4.3: H-sections.
DEEP EXCAVATION 174


Figure 3.7.4.4: H-section secant pile wall plan.
Figure 3.7.4.5: Double channel sections.
DEEP EXCAVATION 175


Figure 3.7.4.6: Double channel section secant pile wall plan.
Figure 3.7.4.7: Pipe sections filled with concrete.
DEEP EXCAVATION 176


Figure 3.7.4.8: Pipe section filled with concrete secant pile wall plan.

Figure 3.7.4.9: Secant pile wall with multiple unreinforced piles plan.
DEEP EXCAVATION 177


Figure 3.7.4.10: Option to define secondary pile reinforcement.

Figure 3.7.4.911: Secant pile wall with reinforced secondary piles.
DEEP EXCAVATION 178


3.7.5 Wall type: Diaphragm walls (slurry walls US)

At the wall type, we can select to use diaphragm walls. We can modify the dimensions of the wall
in the marked area of Figure 3.7.5.1. In D. Concrete –Rebar tab we can change the concrete and
rebar steel properties and define the wall’s reinforcement (Figure 3.7.5.2). When the option to
use more than one reinforcement sections is selected, the multiple reinforcement options tab
appears (Figure 3.7.5.3). The properties included in this tab are presented and described in the
table below. Figure 3.7.5.48 shows the plan of a diaphragm as presented in F. Draw tab. In DeepEX
2018, user can additionally choose to use T-Section or inverted T-Section diaphragms (Figure
3.7.5.5)
Figure 3.7.5.1: Dimensions for diaphragm walls.
DEEP EXCAVATION 179


Symbol Description
D Wall thickness (height)
A Area
B Wall bare length
Bw Wall length
N Number of reinforcement bars
Bar# Rotational moment of inertia
As top Top reinforcement area
As bot Top reinforcement area
Ctop Top clearance to center of bar
Cbot Bottom clearance to center of bar
sV Vertical spacing of shear reinforcement
sH Horizontal spacing of shear reinforcement
Use more than one Option that turns on the use of multiple reinforcement for the wall
reinforcement sections
Treat wall as slab Option that is used only for diaphragm walls and allows them to be
treated as slabs for the shear capacity calculations

Figure 3.7.5.2: Concrete and rebar properties.
DEEP EXCAVATION 180


Figure 3.7.5.3: The multiple reinforcement options tab.
The following table presents the properties that are available in the multiple reinforcement
options tab:
Length of the reinforcement (starting from top)
Left bar size
Number of left bars
Area of left bars
Clearance for the left bars
Right bar size
Number of right bars
Area of right bars
Clearance for the right bars
Option to use shear reinforcement
Dimension of shear reinforcement bars
Area of shear reinforcement
Horizontal spacing of shear reinforcement
Vertical spacing of shear reinforcement
Option to use and edit multiple reinforcement layers

DEEP EXCAVATION 181


Figure 3.7.5.4: Diaphragm wall plan.

Figure 3.7.5.5: T-section diaphragm wall plan.
DEEP EXCAVATION 182


3.7.6 Wall type: Soldier pile and tremied concrete walls

At the wall sections dialog, the user can choose to use soldier pile and tremied concrete walls.
The user can choose to use a standard steel section from the area marked in Figure 3.7.6.1.
DeepEX includes all European and US standard sections.
Figure 3.7.6.1: General section and dimensions for Soldier pile and tremied concrete walls.
The steel beam properties and options are the same as described in paragraph 3.7.1. Figure
3.7.6.2 shows the plan of a sheet pile wall as presented in F. Draw tab.
Figure 3.7.6.2: Soldier pile and tremied concrete wall plan.
DEEP EXCAVATION 183


3.7.7 Wall type: Custom

By using this wall type the user can define directly the wall moment of inertia, the wall thickness
and the top and bottom wall releases without using any of the available wall types. Figures 3.7.7.1
and 3.7.7.2 show the custom wall properties and the custom wall plan respectively.
Figure 3.7.7.1: Custom wall properties.
Top Top elevation of section
Mat Section material
Ixx Moment of inertia
Bottom release Bottom or the section releases
Top release Top of the section releases
t Section thickness

DEEP EXCAVATION 184


Figure 3.7.7.2: Custom wall plan.
DEEP EXCAVATION 185


3.7.8 Wall type: Combined walls
At the wall sections dialog, we can select to use combined walls. We can choose to use a standard
steel section from the area marked in Figure 3.7.8.1. DeepEX includes a number of Arcelor
specified sections. However, the user is free to specify his own data. Then, the program directly
passes the selected section’s properties to the sheet pile page and the steel beam page. We can
later change the steel beam or sheet pile sections individually from the tabs (Figure 3.7.8.2), but
it is recommended to keep the predefined values.
Figure 3.7.8.1: Combined wall dialog.
Figure 3.7.8.2: Combined wall dialog-sheet piles.
DEEP EXCAVATION 186


3.7.9 Wall type: Box Sheet Pile walls
At the wall sections dialog, we can select to use box sheet pile walls. We can choose to use a
standard steel section from the area marked in Figure 3.7.8.1. DeepEX includes a number of
specified sections. However, the user is free to specify his own data. Then, the program directly
passes the selected section’s properties.
Figure 3.7.9.1: Box sheet piles dialog.
Figure 3.7.9.2: Box sheet pile wall section.
DEEP EXCAVATION 187


3.8 Data entry: Ground Anchors
3.8.1 Data entry: Tiebacks

By choosing to add a tieback to the model, the Edit support dialog appears (Figure 3.8.1). In this
area we can define the precise support coordinates, the free and the fixed length. In addition, the
user can define the support’s installation angle, the horizontal spacing of the tiebacks and the
section used in each support. This section can be edited by clicking on the edit button.

Figure 3.8.1: Edit support data dialog.
Symbol Description
X The X-coordinate of the support
Z The Z-coordinate of the support
Lfree Free length of the tieback
Lfix Fixed length of the tieback Here the user can define the following
properties:
Effective Lfix Effective fixed length, defined as a percentage of Lfix
a Tieback installation angle
Horizontal Spacing Horizontal spacing of installed tiebacks
Prestress Option to apply prestress in the stage that the tieback is activated
Structural section Define structural section of the tieback used
Helical anchor Option to use helical anchor sections for the tieback
Change support Option to use a different type of support
type
Activate/Deactivate Choose to activate/deactivate the support for the current stage
Temporary support Define if the support is temporary or permanent
DEEP EXCAVATION 188


In the tab B. Options of the Edit Support Data dialog, we can choose to connect the support either
with the main wall (main nodes) or with the wall elements (slave nodes).
Figure 3.8.2: Edit support data dialog – Options Tab.
At the Results tab the user can see the results of the support, after the model is calculated.
Figure 3.8.3: Tieback results.
DEEP EXCAVATION 189


The following results are available:
Symbol Description
Paxial Axial load of the tieback support
M Moment
Pall Allowable structural axial capacity
Pult Ultimate structural axial capacity
Pall Allowable structural axial capacity
Pult Ultimate structural axial capacity
Used FS Overall applied safety factor for geotechnical design capacity in
terms of the ultimate capacity y

After the calculation of the model, by pressing on the button Show Full Calculations in this form,
an html file opens, containing all calculations and equations that have been performed for the
current support in the current stage.
3.8.2 Data entry: Tieback sections

By clicking the Edit Section button of the support dialog, the Tieback – Anchors dialog appears
(Figure 3.8.4).
In this dialog we can define the strand material and diameter, the grout options and a
geotechnical factor of safety. In most cases, tiebacks are pressure grouted in order to achieve
greater capacities. We can capture such effects by including a densification multiplier for the
frictional and cohesional components of the shear resistance. These factors require careful
consideration and can be used to obtain a preliminary estimate of geotechnical tieback capacity
(Figure 3.8.5). In the overwhelming majority of projects, all tiebacks have to be tested. For the
cohesional component you can select an adhesion factor behavior (multiplier for the cohesion).
The frictional component of the tieback capacity is calculated from the average effective confining
stress at the tieback (at-rest on sides + vertical on top & bottom). Bearing capacity is ignored. The
tieback section can be selected from three main types:
A) Strands or user bars
B) Solid bar
C) User area
D) Pipe micropile
E) Beam micropile
DEEP EXCAVATION 190


Figure 3.8.4: Tieback - anchor sections dialog.
Here the user can define the following properties:
Symbol Description
Name Define the section name
Rebar steel mat Define the rebar steel material
fy The yield strength for the steel
E Modulus of elasticity
Strand diam Diameter for strands (if strands option is selected)
Di Internal strand diameter (if strands option is selected)
No Number of strands used (if strands option is selected)
Bar # The bar diameter (if solid bars option is selected)
No Number of bars used (if solid bars option is selected)
A Reinforcement area (if user area option is selected)
Concrete mat Define the concrete material used as grout
Dfix Fixed (grouted) diameter. This diameter is usually a function of the
performed diameter (or drill diameter)
DEEP EXCAVATION 191


Figure 3.8.5: Advanced geotechnical options.
The geotechnical safety factor in this dialog is used when the custom Geo FS option is not
selected in the mail program.
Symbol Description
Ultimate Define ultimate pressure bond (if the option is selected), so that
Pressure bond the ultimate geotechnical capacity to be calculated from the
pressure bond
- Use and define densification of frictional shear resistance (if option
is selected)
- Use and define densification of cohesional shear resistance (if
option is selected)
Adhesion factor Define adhesion factors (if the option is selected)

DEEP EXCAVATION 192


Figure 3.8.6: Advanced options.
Symbol Description
- Define the structural allowable stress factor for steel
- Define the color of the free length and fixed body
Fall Define the allowable geotechnical capacity (if the use user defined
capacity option is selected)
Fmax Define the maximum geotechnical capacity (if the use user defined
capacity option is selected)
Fall Define the allowable structural capacity
Fmax Define the maximum structural capacity
Ixx.strand Moment of inertia of the strand
Sxx.strand Elastic section modulus for one strand (used in soil nails)
Zxx.strand Plastic section modulus for one strand (used in soil nails)
- Option to ignore capacities for spring methods (will create a non-
yielding element, recommended option)

DEEP EXCAVATION 193


3.8.3 Data entry: Helical anchor sections

From the Helical Anchors dialog (Figure 3.8.7) the user can select an anchor from the existing
database of anchors or add some sections to the database. These anchors can use in the project.
The General tab contains basic structural information. The Geotechnical capacity tab contains
options for calculating the geotechnical tieback capacity. In the Advanced tab the user can specify
safety factors as well as customize the allowable and ultimate geotechnical and structural
capacities. The properties included in this dialog are presented and described in the table below.
Symbol/Option Description
Fy Tensile Yield Strength of anchor
Fu Tensile Ultimate Strength of anchor
Diameter Anchor diameter
Thickness Anchor thickness
Ixx Moment of inertia
Sxx Elastic section modulus
Zxx Plastic section modulus
Telastic Torsional elastic pipe capacity
Tplastic Torsional plastic pipe capacity
E Modulus of elasticity
Apipe Area of the pipe of the anchor
Qyield Tensile yield shaft capacity
Qultimate Tensile ultimate shaft capacity
Helix diameter The diameter of the helical plate
Helix spacing The spacing between the helical plates
Helix thickness The thickness of the helical plate
Effective helix area The effective area of the helical plate
Helix pitch The helical plate inclination
Qhelix Ultimate tension capacity for one helical plate
FS Factor of safety
σ’ vmax Limiting vertical stress

DEEP EXCAVATION 194


Figure 3.8.7: Helical anchor sections dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 195


3.9 Data entry: Strut sections
The strut section properties can be modified either by clicking on the Edit strut sections button
of the Properties tab, or by clicking on the Edit section button of the Edit support data dialog
that opens when the user adds a raker or a strut to the model. Struts and rakers in DeepEX can
be either H-section steel beams, hollow square sections, or pipes. DeepEX includes all European
and US standard sections. The user can choose a section from the program’s database or edit the
strut properties manually (Figure 3.9.1) The properties are presented and described in the
following table.
Figure 3.9.1: Strut sections dialog.
From DeepEX 2018 double member struts can be defined. With this option, the flange bracing,
and member offset may have to be defined. For H type strut sections, it is advisable to use a
vertical orientation with this option.
DEEP EXCAVATION 196


Symbol Description
D Depth or diameter
A Area
fy Yield strength
tP Thickness
W Wrapping constant
Member offset For double members this is the horizontal offset
Lb This is the unbraced flange length. This means that lateral bracing
(lacing) is provided at regular intervals. The lateral bracing is not
designed by the program.

After defining the strut section properties, the user can define the strut or raker prestress in the
edit support dialog (Figure 3.9.2). If prestress is applied, it must be applied ONLY in the support
installation stage. For struts a negative prestress would indicate compression (recommended).
DEEP EXCAVATION 197


Figure 3.9.2: Strut prestress dialog.
After the calculation of the model, by pressing on the button Show Full Calculations in this form,
an html file opens, containing all calculations and equations that have been performed for the
current support in the current stage (Figure 3.9.3).
Figure 3.9.3: Strut support calculations.
DEEP EXCAVATION 198


3.9.1 Mechanical and Hydraulic Strut sections
The strut section properties can be modified either by clicking on the Edit mechanical and
hydraulic strut sections button of the General tab, or by clicking on the Edit section button
of the Edit support data dialog that opens when the user adds a raker or a strut to the model. In
order to access the Edit mechanical and Hydraulic struts dialog from the Edit Strut dialog, user
should also choose the option “Use mechanical or Hydraulic struts”. Mechanical and Hydraulic
struts and rakers in DeepEX can be either hollow square sections, or pipes. Users can choose a
section from the program’s database or edit the strut properties manually (Figures 3.9.4 to 3.9.7).
The properties are presented and described in the following tables.

Figure 3.9.4: Mechanical and Hydraulic Struts dialog – Type-Dimensions tab.
DEEP EXCAVATION 199


Symbol Description
D Depth or diameter
A Area
fy Yield strength
tP Thickness
W Wrapping constant
Option to use a pipe section and list of available pipe sections
Option to use a hollow section and list of available hollow sections
Option “Use a Jack Allows the use of a hydraulic or mechanical jack
Define jack type (mechanical or hydraulic)
Define piston or jack area (depending on the jack type)
Define number of units
Define outer unit size
Define inner unit size
Define fluid modulus Efluid (in case of hydraulic jack)
Define fluid length Lfluid (in case of hydraulic jack)
Lcon Start connector length
Lhydraulic unit Hydraulic unit length (when used)
Option to modify strut section properties manually
Option to model strut section as non-yielding (in non-linear analysis)

DEEP EXCAVATION 200


Figure 3.9.5: Mechanical and Hydraulic Struts dialog – Strength tab.
In this tab, user can define either to define rated strength, defining allowable and maximum
strength for the strut, or insert manually the axial capacity vs length graphs, usually provided by
the strut manufacturers. In this case, there are options to define whether the capacity profile is
allowable or not, and if the profile should be used in the model.
DEEP EXCAVATION 201


Figure 3.9.6: Mechanical and Hydraulic Struts dialog – Transition struts tab and dialog.
Here user can choose to use transition units. For each transition unit, user can choose to modify
the unit properties. The following options are available:
Edit item ID or name
Option to use a pipe section or a hollow rectangular section
Define element length
Define element thickness
Define start and end element dimensions
Define connection flange thickness
Define start and end flange dimensions
Option that stiffeners are continuous from start to end
Options to use stiffeners on each side
Stiffener dimensions (when any of the previous options is selected)

DEEP EXCAVATION 202


Figure 3.9.7: Mechanical and Hydraulic Struts dialog – Connector plated tab.
In this dialog user can choose to use connector plates and define the connector types. The
following options are available:
 Edit start plate at connector (dialog in Figure 3.9.8)
 Edit start plate at strut
 Edit end plate at strut
 Edit end plate at connector
 Edit connector type (dialog in Figure 3.9.9)

DEEP EXCAVATION 203


Figure 3.9.8: Plate connection data dialog.
In this dialog user can choose to use plate connection, to use stiffeners and define the plate and
stiffeners dimensions. The following properties are available:
Option to use connection plate
Define plate shape (circular, rectangular)
Define plate thickness
Define plate depth or diameter
Option to use stiffeners
Define stiffener depth
Define stiffener length at top
Define stiffener length at bottom
Define stiffener thickness
Define number of plates

DEEP EXCAVATION 204


Figure 3.9.9: Connector type and data dialog.
In this dialog user can define the connector type and properties. The following properties are
available:
Define connector name or ID
Choose connector type (Pin type/swivel or Base plate for mechanical)
Define connector thickness and diameter
Define number of plates at start and at end of the strut

DEEP EXCAVATION 205


3.10 Data entry: Slab sections and slab supports

The slab section properties can be modified either by clicking on the Edit slab sections button
of the Properties tab, or by clicking on the Edit section button of the Edit support data

dialog that opens when the user adds a slab to the model. In A. Section Properties tab, we can
modify the concrete and rebar steel properties and define the wall’s reinforcement (Figure
3.10.1). The properties included in this tab are described in the following table. Sometimes we
may choose to define the slab’s prestress in the edit support dialog (Figure 3.10.2)
Figure 3.10.1: Slab Sections dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 206


Symbol Description
D Wall thickness
A Area
B Wall length
Bw Wall length
tf Flange thickness
Bar# Reinforcement area
As, top Top reinforcement area
As, bot Top reinforcement area
Ctop Top clearance to center of top bar
Cbot Bottom clearance to center of bottom bar
sX Horizontal spacing of shear reinforcement
sY Spacing of shear reinforcement in out of plane direction (in the
model screen)

Figure 3.10.2: Slab elevation on wall, spacing (effective length) and section.
DEEP EXCAVATION 207


At the C. Results tab, results for the slab are available when the model is calculated.

Figure 3.10.2: Slab results.
The following results are available in the results tab:
Symbol Description
Paxial Axial load on slab
M Moment at center span
Pall Allowable axial capacity
Pult Ultimate axial capacity
Mleft Left moment (>0 when slab is restrained)
MLdesign Left side design moment (factored with safety factor)
Mright Right side moment (>0 when slab is restrained)
MRdesign Right side design moment (factored design moment)
Mcapacity top Moment capacity of the slab for negative moments
Ubottom Water pressure SLS (unfactored water pressure at bottom of slab
when the slab is used to seal the excavation)
Vleft Left side shear
VLdesign Left side design shear
VLcap Left side shear capacity
Vright Right side shear
VRdesign Right side design shear
VRcap Right side shear capacity
In addition, we can see the geotechnical and the structural allowable and ultimate axial
capacities of the slab.
DEEP EXCAVATION 208


3.11 Data entry: Fixed supports

We can choose to add a fixed support to the model by clicking on the button of the
Loads/supports tab. A fixed support is a support that provides horizontal restraint. After selecting
this tool, select any wall with your mouse where you want your support to be added.
3.12 Data entry: Springs

We can choose to add a spring support to the model by clicking on the button . After selecting
this tool, select any wall with your mouse where you want your support to be added.
When the spring is added to the model, the Edit support data dialog appears. At A. General Tab
we can define the axial and rotational spring stiffness and the exact spring location on the wall
(Figure 3.12.1).
Figure 3.12.1: Spring support dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 209


3.13 Data entry: Slope Stability
3.13.1 Slope Stability Analysis

The slope stability analysis can be performed using the Slope module of DeepEX. The program
can perform slope stability analysis of slope surfaces using the simplified Bishop method, the GLE
(Morgenstern – Price) method or the Spencer (Force – Moment) method. To illustrate this a slope
example will be presented. First, a slope or bench surface is created (right click on the model, set
left bench surface). Then, the bench options dialog appears (Figure 3.13.1). Here we set the bench
surface by specifying the bench angle or the Vertical – Horizontal step.
Figure 3.13.1: Set bench surface.
Next, we define the exact center or the rectangle containing the centers for the slope surfaces
that to be analyzed (Figures 3.13.2 and 3.13.3).
DEEP EXCAVATION 210


Figure 3.13.2: Slope circle center.
Figure 3.13.3: Rectangular center point search.
Next, the user should select the points where the sliding surface will pass. Using DeepEX, the user
can use the following options:
DEEP EXCAVATION 211


 Single search radius option (Figure 3.13.4): the user adds a single sliding surface to the
model.
Figure 3.13.4: Single radius.
 Custom failure surface option (Figure 3.13.5). The user adds a custom sliding surface to
the model by adding specific points with the mouse.

Figure 3.13.5: Custom sliding surface.
DEEP EXCAVATION 212


 End point limits option (Figure 3.13.6): The user specifies points where the radii
for search surfaces pass through (for a failure surface that contains a circular
portion).

Figure 3.13.6: End point limits.
 Draw the base points for a block (Figure 3.13.7). With this the user can specify 2 points
from which the search surfaces pass through for the block type analysis.

Figure 3.13.7: Two end points.
DEEP EXCAVATION 213


By clicking on the options button, the slope stability options dialog appears. In the method tab
(Figure 3.13.8), we can define the slope stability method used to analyze the model.
Figure 3.13.8: Slope stability options – method tab.
The following properties are available in this tab:
Symbol Description
Bishop Select Bishop simplified method for the slope stability analysis
Morgenstern Price Select Morgenstern Price method for the slope stability analysis
Ordinary (Swedish) Select Ordinary (Swedish) method for the slope stability analysis
m Factor for interslice force equation (if MP method is selected)
v Factor for interslice force equation (if MP method is selected)
FS0 Initial assumption for factor of safety (if MP method is selected)
λ0 Initial assumption for scaling factor (if MP method is selected)
Spencer Select Spencer method for the slope stability analysis
Janbu Select Janbu method for the slope stability analysis
- Define the maximum number of iterations for each search point
- Define the convergence Tolerance
DX Define the preliminary slice width
- Define the minimum number of slices

DEEP EXCAVATION 214


In the center tab (Figure 3.13.9), the user can define the properties for the centers of the circles
used in the slope stability analysis.
Figure 3.13.9: Slope stability options – center tab.
Symbol Description
Use only one point for the Choose to use only one point for the center of the circular type
analysis failure
Use exact coordinates for Choose to use exact coordinates for center search. Otherwise
center search coordinates will be relative to the left wall (top corner)
Left Left search limit (for a rectangular type search)
Right Right search limit (for a rectangular type search)
steps Search steps between the two horizontal limits (for a rectangular
type search)
Top Top search limit (for a rectangular type search)
Bottom Bottom search limit (for a rectangular type search)
steps Search steps between the two vertical limits (for a rectangular type
search)
Rotation Rotation angle (used for rectangular search)

DEEP EXCAVATION 215


In the Radius search tab (Figure 3.13.10), we can define the properties for the radius of the circles
used in slope stability analysis.
Figure 3.13.10: Slope stability options – radius search tab.
Symbol Description
Use a single radius for search Choose to use a single radius for search
Specify exact radii limits Choose to Specify exact radii limits (for start and end radius)
Initial R Initial radius limit ( if the choice to Specify exact radii limits is
selected)
Final R Final radius limit ( if the choice to Specify exact radii limits is
selected)
Specify exact coordinates Choose to search radii with two points
Initial X Initial search point X-coordinate
Initial Z Initial search point Z-coordinate
Final X Final search point X-coordinate
Final Z Final search point Z-coordinate
Radius starts at Define the Radius start limits (if no other option is selected)
Radius ends at Define the Radius end limits (if no other option is selected)
Radii increments Define the radii increments

DEEP EXCAVATION 216


In the Active/passive tab (Figure 3.13.11), we can control options for including active and passive
wedges for the slope stability analysis.
Figure 3.13.11: Slope stability options – Active/passive tab.
Symbol Description
Include active angle Choose to include active angle limit and define it
limit
Sweep active angle Choose to sweep active angle (if the previous option is selected)
Angle Range+ , steps Define Angle range and steps (if the sweep option is selected)
Include passive angle Choose to include passive angle limit and define it
limit
Sweep passive angle Choose to sweep active angle (if the previous option is selected)
Angle Range+ , steps Define Angle range and steps (if the sweep option is selected)
Use block analysis Choose to use block analysis
Initial X Initial block point X-coordinate (if the block analysis option is selected)
Initial Z Initial block point Z-coordinate (if the block analysis option is selected)
Final X Final block point X-coordinate (if the block analysis option is selected)
Final Z Final block point Z-coordinate (if the block analysis option is selected)
steps Define steps for block analysis (if the block analysis option is selected)

DEEP EXCAVATION 217


In the Supports tab (Figure 3.13.12), the user can define how support forces are included within
the slope stability analysis.
Figure 3.13.12: Slope stability options – Supports tab.
Symbol Description
Include support reactions Includes support reactions as analyzed by the wall
analysis
Include support service capacities Includes support service capacities as analyzed by the
wall analysis
Include support ultimate capacities Includes support ultimate capacities as analyzed by the
wall analysis
Ignore support forces Ignores support forces in slope stability analysis
Determine soil nail forces from Determines mobilized soil nail forces from iteration
iteration (when FS = 1)
Define minimum mobilization factor Defines minimum mobilization factor as a percentage of
as a percentage of the ultimate the ultimate capacity (if the previous option is selected)
capacity
Inails.mob Mobilization interaction factor (if the previous option is
selected). This factor is used to determine mobilized
soil nail forces from:
Fmob = (Fx,ultimate – Fx,FS) x Inails.mob + Fx,FS = 1
DEEP EXCAVATION 218


In the Miscellaneous tab (Figure 3.13.13), we can control how the wall shear is accounted in the
slope stability analysis (when a wall is intersected).
Figure 3.13.13: Slope stability options – Miscellaneous tab.
Description
Choose to include shear capacity of wall in stability
Choose to include ultimate wall capacities (design shear x FS.structural)
Option to include the tensile pile wall resistance into the calculations.
Choose to include support ultimate capacities
Choose ignore soil shear on vertical faces (at ends)
Choose to use at-rest pressures on a vertical face
Define the number of vertical intervals (when a vertical end face is included)
Choose to include tieback shear on slice base (if tiebacks used in the model). With this
feature, the normal stress and shear is increased when the fixed part of the tieback
intersects the base of the slice (Bishop method)

DEEP EXCAVATION 219


In the 3D Loads tab (Figure 3.13.14), we can define how 3D Loads are accounted in slope stability
analysis.
Figure 3.13.14: Slope stability options – 3D Loads tab.
 Ignore all footing loads (and other 3D loads)
 Include all footing loads (and other 3D loads)
 Include footing loads within maximum support spacing from wall Y coordinate
 Include footing loads only between out-of-plane search limits, relative to wall Y coordinate
DEEP EXCAVATION 220


In the Tension crack tab (Figure 3.13.15), we can control options for including a tension crack
within the slope stability analysis.
Figure 3.13.15: Slope stability options – Tension crack tab.
 Include tension crack
 Use a specified tension crack depth
 Define the tension crack depth (if the previous option is selected)
 Use automatic crack depth (from top layer)
 Fill the tension crack with water

DEEP EXCAVATION 221


In the Automatic Search tab (Figure 3.13.16), we can control options for automatic radius search
within the slope stability analysis.
Figure 3.13.16: Slope stability options – Tension crack tab.
 Number of points
 Initial DX and DZ for search
 Left horizontal search limits (XLmin and XLmax)
 Right horizontal search limits (XRmin and XRmax)
 Maximum number of iterations per search point

DEEP EXCAVATION 222


3.13.2 Soil nailing

Soil nails can be used to reinforce the slope surface and prevent failure. A single soil nail or nail
group can be added to the model (Figures 3.13.16 and 3.13.17 respectively). By double-clicking
on a single soil nail, the Edit soil nail dialog appears, where we can modify the nail’s properties.
Figure 3.13.16: Add a single soil nail to the model.
Figure 3.13.17: Add a soil nail group to the model.
In the general tab of the Edit soil nail dialog (Figure 3.13.18) we can set the soil nail’s position
on the slope, the nail free and fixed length and the nail installation angle. In addition, the user
defined the head plate angle and the structural section of the nail can be defined. By pressing
the Edit button (Figure 3.13.19) the Tieback Anchors – Sections dialog appears, where the
user can choose the strand sections for the soil nail. Next, the user can choose to use capacity
loss due to corrosion, as well as some other analysis options (Figure 3.13.20).
DEEP EXCAVATION 223


Figure 3.13.18: Edit soil nail dialog.
Symbol Description
X The start X-coordinate of the soil nail
Z The start Z-coordinate of the soil nail
Lfree The soil nail’s free length
Lfix The soil nail’s fixed length
a The soil nail’s installation angle
Horizontal Spacing The soil nail’s horizontal spacing
β The cover plates angle

The following options are also available:
 Define the structural section of the soil nail and choose to edit it
 Choose to use capacity loss. Then, the user has to define the following properties:
 The thickness loss tC, or
 The capacity loss as a percentage of the total capacity.
 Choose to activate or deactivate the support in the current stage.
 Define whether the support is permanent or not (affects results when a design approach
is used).
 Choose to use only external load analysis for the soil nail.
 Choose to include shear when the nail is intersected by a failure surface.
DEEP EXCAVATION 224


Figure 3.13.19: Edit soil nail section.
Figure 3.13.20: Analysis options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 225


In the results tab of dialog (Figure 3.13.21), we can see the following results:
Figure 3.13.21: Results options.
Symbol Description
Paxial Axial force of the nail
M Moment of the nail
Po. At face Reaction at the facing of the nail
Pmax.mob The mobilized axial force of the nail
Pmax. stage Maximum reaction for current stage
Pmax. All stages Maximum reaction of all stages
Pmax. Global Maximum reaction of all linked design sections
Pgeo. Design Geotechnical design capacity
P geo. ultimate Geotechnical ultimate capacity
Pdesign Structural design capacity
Pult Structural ultimate capacity
DEEP EXCAVATION 226


In the detailed results tab of the Edit soil nail dialog (Figure 3.13.22) we can see the following
results in a tabulated format:
Figure 3.13.22: Detailed results options.
 Tension: This column contains the tension of the soil nail because of the critical slope
surface.
 Tension max: This column contains the maximum tension that occurs to this soil nail
because of all slope surfaces that intersect this nail.
 Tension Capacity STR: This column contains the geotechnical (pullout) capacity of the soil

nail.
 Critical Shear GEO: This column contains the minimum shear from those calculated from

the three criteria (see below).
 Shear Capacity STR: This column contains the structural shear capacity.
 Shear C2: This column contains the shear as calculated from the three criteria (C1, C2, C4)
(see slope stability manual, pages 31 – 33).
 Shear C3: Same as above.
 Shear C4: Same as above.
DEEP EXCAVATION 227


 Shear C4 LE: Same as above (LE: Limit equilibrium analysis)
 Modulus ks: This column contains the lateral subgrade reaction modulus at the critical
intersection surface point.
 Lateral pressure: See slope stability manual, page 31.
 Ultimate lateral pressure: See slope stability manual, page 31.
 Length: This column includes the calculated transfer length of the soil nail at the
intersection with the critical slope surface.
 Ixx calc: This column includes the calculated moment of inertia of the nail (includes all
reductions for corrosion etc).
 Sxx calc: This column includes the section modulus (European designation is Wel)
 Thickness loss: This column includes the soil reinforcement thickness loss.
 % STR loss: This column includes the percentage of structural capacity loss (when
corrosion is included).
DEEP EXCAVATION 228


3.14 Data entry: Wale beams

In DeepEX, it is possible for to add walers to supports. DeepEX calculates the capacity and the
loads of the installed walers. Wale beams are added at the connection points of the supports with
the walls. In order to install a new waler, we first have to install a support. Next, by pressing the
Wales button in the Loads/supports menu and choosing the support, the Wales dialog
appears (Figure 3.14.1). In this area we can choose the loading type of the waler. Several loading
cases are included, using point or uniform loads. These cases are presented in the following table.
In this dialog the user can:
 Edit the waler name.
 Define the section used for the waler and edit it.
 Define the vertical spacing of the waler amongst:
 Use support spacing
 Use wall spacing
 Use a user defined value
 Define the axial force amongst:
 Use zero axial force
 Use as axial force a percentage of support reactions
 Use a user defined value
 Define the loading type:
 Use point loads (ideal for soldier pile walls)
 Use uniform loads

DEEP EXCAVATION 229


Figure 3.14.1: The waler dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 230


Point load type 0
Point load type 1
Point load type 2
Point load type 3
Point load type 4
DEEP EXCAVATION 231


Point load type 5
Uniform type 0
Uniform type 1
Uniform type 2
Uniform type 3
Uniform type 4
DEEP EXCAVATION 232


Uniform type 5
Uniform type 6
Uniform type 7
Uniform type 8

Next, we can choose the wale section by pressing the Edit button (Figure 3.14.2). The user can
select among using a steel or a concrete section waler (Figures 3.14.3 and 3.14.4 respectively).
DEEP EXCAVATION 233


Figure 3.14.2: The edit waler section button.
Figure 3.14.3: Steel section.
DEEP EXCAVATION 234


Figure 3.14.4: Concrete section.
By choosing to use a steel section, the following options are available:
 Use multiple beams: With this selection, more than one beams can be used to the same
support. These beams can be used with a clearance or without one.
 Autorotate the waler: This is possible for some kinds of supports (tiebacks, spring
supports), and only if more than one beams are used. The waler can be installed using the
support’s angle (Autorotate), or the user can define a custom angle (Figure 3.14.5). For
other kinds of supports, the waler is installed horizontally (Figure 3.14.6). Rotation is used
only for steel section beams.
Figure 3.14.5: Rotated wale beam, used with a tieback.
DEEP EXCAVATION 235


Figure 3.14.6: Horizontal wale beam, used with a raker.
 Enable manual change of steel section properties: With this option, the user can modify
manually the waler’s properties (the steel beam properties and options are the same as
described in paragraph 3.7.1.).

By choosing to use a concrete section (Figure 3.13.7), the user has to define the reinforcement
properties. These properties are presented in the table below.
Symbol Description
D Waler height (thickness)
A Area of section
B Waler base dimension
N Number of bars
Bar# Reinforcement bars
As, top Top reinforcement area
As, bot Top reinforcement area
Ctop Top clearance (to center of top bar)
Cbot Bottom clearance (to center of bottom bar)
sV Vertical spacing for shear reinforcement
sH Horizontal spacing for shear reinforcement

DEEP EXCAVATION 236


Figure 3.14.7: Concrete section beam, used with a raker.
Figure 3.14.8: The waler dialog - results.
DEEP EXCAVATION 237


Symbol Description
Paxial Axial force on the waler
Mspan XX Span moment along X-axis
Msup XX Moment along X-axis at support location
Mspan YY Span moment along Y-axis
Msup YY Moment along Y-axis at support location
Vxx Shear along X-axis
Vyy Shear along Y-axis
Pcap Axial capacity
Mx cap Moment capacity along X-axis
My cap Moment capacity along Y-axis
Vxcap Shear capacity along X-axis
Vycap Shear capacity along Y-axis

DEEP EXCAVATION 238


3.15 Data entry: Heel blocks (passive heel blocks)

Concrete heel blocks are used as passive elements that transfer raker forces to soil. In DeepEX a
heel block can be connected to one or more raker at the same time. DeepEX considers the net
horizontal force balance on the heel block. For calculating the safety factor against sliding,
DeepEX calculates the active and passive earth forces on each heel block side. Passive and active
earth forces are computed using an average surface angle according to Coulomb theory with no
wall friction. Wall friction is ignored for heel blocks since the increased passive resistance can only
be realized at considerably greater displacements. DeepEX does not consider the bearing capacity
of a heel block in the vertical direction.
Figure 3.15.1: Heel block with rakers
Figure 3.15.2: Heel blocks data and heel block input
DEEP EXCAVATION 239


Then the acting raker forces on the heel block are summed and the available base shear resistance
is computed.
Heel block input includes:
Top width Btop Heel block width at top
Bottom width Bbot Heel block width at base <= Btop
Heel block height H Heel block height
Z Heel block elevation at top
X X coordinate of heel block, refers to vertical face where active
earth pressures are acting
Passive on left side If this option is selected, then the slanted face of the heel block
is on the left side and the reference X point is on the right.
Heel block is continuous If this option is selected, then the heel block is treated as
continuous. Otherwise, the block is treated as a 3D shape.
Horizontal spacing S The horizontal spacing of 3D shaped heel blocks (non-continuous
heel blocks)
Length L Heel block length (into page) for 3D shaped heel blocks. L<=S
Base-soil friction ratio (0 to This is the ratio of the available concrete to soil friction ratio at
1) the base. The parameter is used to compute the base shear
resistance due to soil friction. Typical values do not exceed 0.67
(or 67% of available soil friction).
Base adhesion ration (0 to 1) In cohesive soils, adhesion can form between the heel block base
and the base soil. Values of 0.5 is commonly used. Care should
be taken that the entire heel block base is in compressive contact
with the heel block.
3D Wedge effect m3 m3 is a factor that increases the available passive resistance
width to account for 3D effects (3D blocks). The factor increases
the width on each side of the heel block by m3 x the heel block
height. Hence, the passive width is taken as:
s.pass = L + 2 * m3 * H <= S

DEEP EXCAVATION 240


3.16 Data entry: Waler supports

Waler supports are a new feature available from the 2012 version. Waler supports are used as
lateral supports that can model box type and circular shaped lateral braces (in-plan). Waler
supports use wale sections and additional shape information that is defined in the Waler Support
dialog. In the non-linear analysis

DeepEX now includes the ability to include box type and circular waler supports. Very often, in
smaller excavations a box type waler support may be used. In such a case, other types of supports
may not be required as the box can be self-supporting through bending and axial forces. A waler
support can be added by clicking on the button on the Load/Supports menu, and then by
selecting the wall where the waler support can be applied. Waler supports use waler sections for
structural properties:
Figure 3.16.1: Support data form for waler support
By clicking on the edit button in the support form we can change the waler properties. The first
selection should be on the waler type i.e. box type or circular. The choice of shape type affects
structural and stiffness calculations. For box type walers, the equivalent stiffness is computed at
the center of the span according to assumed bending shape and deflection shape for a uniform
loaded beam (simple span or fixed ends). In each case, the used equations for computing the
DEEP EXCAVATION 241


waler spring stiffness and bending moments are presented within the input dialog according to
the selected shape. The waler bending is examined at both the waler ends as well as at the waler
span.
For box type walers, the length L is used for calculating the bending moments, and the width B is
used for computing the axial force on the examined waler. A separate model may be required if
we need to examine the B side with the waler L & B dimensions reversed.
Figure 3.16.2: Input dialog for box-type waler supports
DEEP EXCAVATION 242


Figure 3.16.3: Input dialog for circular type waler supports
The unsupported length is considering bending and bucking in the vertical axis where normally
additional vertical support is provided. If no additional vertical support is provided, then this
dimension should be equal to the length L.
For circular walers, the length L is used to define the number of elements within the circular waler
arrangement. This length may be later adjusted during calculation time so that the waler sections
fit within the prescribed shaft radius in an integer number (i.e. we cannot have 4.6 waler sections,
that would have to be rounded to 5). The shaft radius can be computed automatically (the
program looks for the excavation side) or can be input by the user. The equivalent stiffness is
computed from radial action theory and is affected by the effective modulus of elasticity, the shaft
radius, and waler section area.
Because of setup and other issues, it is typical to use stiffness adjustments for waler supports
especially for concrete sections. As such, the program includes two stiffness modification factors,
one for concrete walers and one for steel walers. The factors are used to modify the assumed
elasticity modulus for the specific waler support.
Last, eccentricity issues (due to construction variations) may also be important with waler
supports. For this reason, the program suggests an eccentricity in the horizontal axis of 3% or
minimum 10cm (3 inch). This eccentricity is applied as an additional bending moment on the span
section. These values can be modified according to user preferences.
DEEP EXCAVATION 243


Length L The in-plan waler support length (into the page)
Width B The in-plan waler width (parallel to the x axis)
Unsupported length The unsupported length in the vertical axis
Stiffness adjustments Modification of the modulus of elasticity in the non-linear
analysis to account for installation and other effects
Eccentricity (%) Minimum eccentricity for axial loads in X direction as a
percentage of the waler section depth
Min. eccentricity Minimum eccentricity for axial loads in X direction in inches or
cm.
Beam bending type Option controls how waler support beam is treated. This option
affects maximum positive and negative moments, as well as the
beam stiffness.

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CHAPTER 4: MODIFYING MODELS & VIEWING RESULTS

DEEP EXCAVATION 245


4.1 Modifying surface elevations

DeepEX includes powerful features and versatile options for modeling surface elevations and
sections. Elevations and points can be modified with the following options:

 Double click on a surface point: This gives the possibility to modify the point’s
coordinates (Figure 4.1.1).

Figure 4.1.1: Modify single point’s coordinates.
 Select to set a bench or slope surface (Figures 4.1.2 and 4.1.3 respectively), by clicking
on the right selection at the Surface options button of the Model menu (Figure 4.1.4), or
by right clicking on the model interface (Figure 4.1.5). The forms that create the slope or
bench surfaces are presented in paragraph 2.5.

Figure 4.1.2: Left slope surface.
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Figure 4.1.3: Left slope surface.
Figure 4.1.4: Surface options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 247


Figure 4.1.5: Right click on the model.
Icon Description

Table of coordinates of surface points

Create a bench on the left side

Create a slope on the left side
Create a bench on the right side
Create a slope on the right side



DEEP EXCAVATION 248


 By pressing the Table of coordinates selection of the surface options (Figure 4.1.4), the
Table of coordinates dialog appears (Figure 4.1.6). This dialog contains the coordinates of
all surface points. The user can then modify them here, and add or remove points within.

Figure 4.1.6: Table of coordinates dialog.
 We can perform an excavation or a backfill operation from the icons of the toolbar at the
left side of the screen (see paragraph 2.3.1). Then, by clicking on several points on the
screen, the user can perform these operations (Figures 4.1.6 and 4.1.7). The backfill or
excavation can be completed by pressing enter.

Figure 4.1.6: Excavation operation using the Excavation operation tool.
DEEP EXCAVATION 249


Figure 4.1.7: Backfill operation using the Backfill operation tool.
4.2 Adding supports graphically

Supports in DeepEX can be added graphically, that is the user has to draw the support first by
selecting the appropriate tool. Instructions, on specific supports are provided in the following
table.

Toolbar
Description
Icon
Adds a tieback support (you have to click at the main stage form to graphically add
the tieback). A tieback can also be used to connect two walls. In this case the

tieback will be treated as a tie rod.
Adds a strut support (you have to click at the main stage form to graphically add the
support). Struts can also be used to connect two opposite walls.
Adds a raker support. DeepEX treats rakers as inclined struts. WARNING: USER
MUST ENSURE THAT THE RAKER FALLS OUTSIDE PASSIVE ZONE OF INFLUENCE FOR
RAKERS TO BE PRACTICALLY EFFECTIVE. DEEP DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST
RAKER REACTIONS IF A RAKER FALLS WITHIN THE PASSIVE ZONE. HOWEVER, FOR
SLOPE STABILITY, DEEP WILL IGNORE A RAKER IF IT ENTIRELY FALLS WITHIN THE
SEARCH SURFACE (OR CIRCLE)
Adds a slab support (you have to click at the main stage form to graphically add the
support). Slabs can also be used to connect two opposite walls.
DEEP EXCAVATION 250


Adds a fixed support (you have to click at the main stage form to graphically add
the support).
Adds a spring support(you have to click at the main stage form to graphically add
the support).
Example: Add a Tieback

Step 1: Click on Add a tieback Icon
Step 2: Click location on wall (Figure 4.2.1)
Step 3: Click second point of tieback (end point in soil).
Step 4: The Support Edit dialog appears. Refine the new tieback support and click the OK
button.
The support is successfully inserted to the model (Figure 4.2.2). To change the supports
properties, double click on the support, or select it from the tree menu.

Figure 4.2.1: Click on the wall (step 2). Figure 4.2.2: Placed tieback.
DEEP EXCAVATION 251


The following figures present a tieback connecting two walls, a slab and a strut support. To install
these supports, the steps of the previous example have to be followed.
Figure 4.2.3: A tieback connecting two walls.
Figure 4.2.4: A slab connecting two walls.
Figure 4.2.4: A strut connecting two walls.
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4.3 Adding Surcharges Graphically

Surcharges and line loads in DeepEX can be added graphically. The user has to draw the surcharge
first by selecting the appropriate tool. Instructions, on specific supports are provided in the
following table. DeepEX uses equations by DM7.2, Poulos & Davis, and Kelvin to calculate the
horizontal surcharge stress q on the wall. The methods and are most appropriate for loads on
horizontal surfaces, but is most cases yield satisfactory results for non-level surfaces. DeepEX
integrates the horizontal and the vertical component of each surcharge. You can vary the load
magnitudes for the same surcharge for different stages.
Adds a Surface Surcharge. A Surface surcharge is a strip surcharge that
can have its elevation changed for different stages (automatically
adjusted to the surface elevation) but has always the same horizontal
coordinates. The surcharge can have both a horizontal and a vertical
component.
You need to define a surcharge by two points (this creates a default 1.0
kPa load). Then in order to modify the surcharge, double click on it and
the Edit Distributed Load dialog appears.
Adds a Surface Line Load. Surface line loads are treated in the same way
as surface surcharges. To modify a Surface Line Load, double click on it.
Adds a Wall Surcharge. A Wall surcharge is a strip surcharge applied
directly on the wall.
You need to define a wall surcharge by clicking on two points on
the wall (this creates a default 1.0 kPa load). Then in order to modify the
surcharge, double click on it and the Edit Surcharge dialog appears.
Adds a Wall Line Load. Surface line loads are treated in the same way as
wall surcharges. To modify a Surface Line Load, double click on it.
Adds a three-dimensional footing load. Once you select the button then
you must click on the main form at the location where you want the center
of the footing to be. Then the edit footing form automatically launches,
and you can specify all the parameters for this footing load.

DEEP EXCAVATION 253


Example: Adding a Surcharge
Step 1: Click on Add a Surface Surcharge icon (Figure 4.3.1)
Step 2: Click first location for surcharge (Figure 4.3.2)
Step 3: Click second location for surcharge (Figure 4.3.3)
Step 4: Double click on new surcharge at form to launch the Surcharge Edit menu and refine
the new surcharge.
The surcharge is successfully inserted to the model (Figure 4.3.4). To change the supports
properties, double click on the support, or select it from the tree menu.

Figure 4.3.1: Add a surcharge tool (step 1). Figure 4.3.2: Select first point (step 2).

Figure 4.3.3: Select end point (step 3). Figure 4.3.4: Placed surcharge
DEEP EXCAVATION 254


4.4 Viewing Results on Main Form
Once a project is analyzed, results can be viewed on screen by selecting one or more of the
Toolbar Icons shown below. Full icon description and associated examples are also shown in the
following Exhibits.

Icon Description
Shows the Wall embedment Safety Factors
Shows the Global Slope Factor of Safety
Shows the Global Slope Factor of Safety Contours
Shows the results for slope stability slices
Shows all slope stability results

Draws the bending moment diagram of the wall on the main model screen.
Draws the shear force diagram of the wall on the main model screen.
Draws the axial force diagram of the wall on the main model screen.
Draws the wall deflections on the main model screen.
Draws the Surface settlements on the main model screen.

Shows the support reactions on the main model screen.

Shows the combined capacity ratio (Moment and Axial force) on the main
model screen.
Shows the moment capacity ratio on the main model screen.

Shows the shear capacity ratio on the main model screen.
Shows the structural capacity on the main model screen.
Shows the wall moment capacity on the main model screen.
DEEP EXCAVATION 255


Shows the wall shear capacity on the main model screen.
Draws the effective horizontal soil pressure on the main model screen.
Draws the total vertical stress on the main model screen.
Draws the effective vertical stress on the main model screen.
Draws the net total wall pressures on the main model screen.
Draws the wall surcharge on the main model screen.
Draws the seismic pressures on the main model screen.
Draws the net water pressure on the main model screen.
Draws the water pressure on walls
Hydraulic gradient

Shows Minimum – Maximum values on the diagrams.

Shows envelope of moments and support reactions when moments or
support reaction results are displayed.
Loads the result tables.

Shows the water pressure shadings.
Draws the water head shadings.
Draws the water head grid.
Shows the hydraulic safety factor.
Draws the total vertical stress shadings
Draws the effective vertical stress shadings

DEEP EXCAVATION 256


The following figures show some typical on screen output diagrams and results. Output results
can be visible only if the given problem has been analyzed. Feel free to explore the functionality
of these toolbars. DeepEX can stack the result diagram axes so this way multiple results can be
visible at the same time for direct comparison. However, you should try to keep the output as
simple as possible.
Figure 4.4.1: Viewing the critical slope stability rupture surface
Figure 4.4.2: Typical moment diagram.

DEEP EXCAVATION 257


Figure 4.4.3: Typical shear diagram.
Figure 4.4.4: Support reactions.

DEEP EXCAVATION 258


Figure 4.4.5: Wall deflection.
Figure 4.4.6: Surface settlement.

DEEP EXCAVATION 259


Figure 4.4.7: Effective horizontal soil pressures (limit equilibrium).

Figure 4.4.8: Water pressures.

DEEP EXCAVATION 260


4.5 Report Options (Printed Reports)
Once a project is analyzed, full analysis reports can be generated by selecting the Reports –
Options option at the Report tab. By selecting this, we can modify the included output sections.
On the left side of the dialog, we can select which design sections and stages will be included in
the current report (Figure 4.5.1). From the Available Report Sections area, we can select the
results and options that shall be included (Figure 4.5.2). We can also drag and drop these items
at the Report Format area (Figure 4.5.3). Next, the user can select to see a preview of the report
and export it in a word or PDF format at the area indicate in Figure 4.5.3.
Figure 4.5.1: The included Design Sections area.
Figure 4.5.2: The Available Report Sections area.
DEEP EXCAVATION 261


Figure 4.5.3: The Report Format area and the preview and export buttons.

DEEP EXCAVATION 262


4.6 Footing Loads (3-Dimensional Loads)
In many cases the effects of three dimensional loads on the wall have to be evaluated. In DeepEX
footings can be used to define three dimensional loads that can vary in magnitude for any desired
stage. DeepEX offers a number of useful alternatives for evaluating the effect of three-
dimensional loading on excavation walls. The theoretical solutions of elasticity are truly applicable
for level surfaces, however, in the absence of any other exact closed form solution many
practicing engineers use these methods for non-level ground surfaces. Caution should be
exercised, and the limitations recognized when dealing with non-level surfaces.
X The x coordinate of the footing (center)
The y coordinate of the footing (out-of-plane) or 3D coordinate at the
Y
footing center.
Elevation (the elevation is automatically adjusted for surface footings) at
Z
the current surface elevation for each stage.
T Footing thickness (not used for calculations)
Bx Footing width along X axis.
By Footing width along Y axis (out-of-plane, or into screen)
Θ Counter clockwise in-plan footing rotation in degrees.
L Column length (graphical)
Select this option to model the footing as a point load for calculating lateral
surcharges. When selected, the following options are available:
 Use default program equations
With this option the Boussinesq solution is used when the footing is
at the surface, and Mindlin's solution is used when the footing is
below the surface. A Poisson’s ratio of 0.25 is used.
 Use Boussinesq solution (flexible walls, x m loads)
Treat footing as  Use Terzaghi method (considers rigid walls and Hwall)
point load  Use DB33/T1008-2014 solution (uses m=2 for rigid walls)

When this option is not selected, then DeepEX uses the Holl 1940 solution
for rectangular loads as outlined in Poulos & Davis, 1974.
This solution is independent of the Poisson’s ratio. The method is
applicable for loads that are on a level surface, however, in the absence of
a detailed closed form solution for rectangular loads beneath the ground
surface Holl's solution is also used for loads beneath the ground surface.
Select this option if you want to average the load over the maximum
support spacing. With this option DEEP averages the surcharge from (y -
Average load
maximum support spacing/2) to (y+maximum support spacing/2). The
over support
surcharge is calculated every Dyw increment. A minimum of nMin intervals
spacing
are used.

DEEP EXCAVATION 263


DX (Not used in this version)
DY (Not used in this version)
nMin Minimum number of intervals along y axis for computing stresses.
Interval for calculating stresses when load is averaged over maximum
Dyw
support length.

Figure 4.6.1: The footing options dialog General tab.

DEEP EXCAVATION 264


Figure 4.6.2: The footing options dialog Advanced 0ptions.
DEEP EXCAVATION 265


4.7 Buildings, Building Wizard and Building Damage Assessment Module

Excavations are often constructed next to existing buildings that can potentially exert significant
loads on the retaining system. Thus, building loads have to be properly accounted for. Estimating
building loads can be a very time-consuming effort. DeepEX can make such estimations much
easier with the building wizard option.
To create a new building simply select the option from the loads drop down option in the General
tab of DeepEX and click on the desired point where you want to add the building. Once we do so
the building wizard launches as shown below:
Figure 4.7.1: General building dimensions.
Parameter/Icon Description
Adds a three-dimensional building
Xo The right x coordinate of the building (center)
The y coordinate of the footing (out-of-plane) or 3D coordinate at the
Yo
footing center.
Grade Elevation Elevation of the ground floor.
Θ Building rotation.
DEEP EXCAVATION 266


Width along X axis Building width along the x axis direction.
Width along Y axis Building width along the y axis direction (out of plane)
Number of superstructure floors including the ground floors not including
nF
the building roof.
nFb
Number of basement floors (below grade elevation)
Building height H Building height above grade elevation
Basement depth
Basement depth to top of footings (bottom of base slab)
Hb
Number of
Number of building columns in X direction
columns in X
Number of
Number of building columns in Y direction
columns in Y
Figure 4.7.2: Floor loads and options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 267


Floor Live load Live load on each floor (may be different for basement floors)
DEEP does not automatically calculate the dead load of each floor based
on the thickness. While such a calculation is easy it is felt that a proper
Floor Dead load estimation of the floor dead load has to be manually performed and must
include many items such a tiling etc. that are outside the scope of the
current version of DEEP. A different dead load can be included for the
basement floors.
Floor Thickness Floor thickness for graphical reasons only
Check this option to use floor beams under each side of each floor
Use floor beams between columns. The dead load of each floor beam is calculated based on
its density and section area.
Floor beam Bx Building width along the x axis direction.
Floor beam By Building width along the y axis direction (out of plane)
Floor beam The section area can be manually changed to include hollow beams and
Section area non-rectangular shapes. This area is used for dead load calculations.
Floor beam The floor beam density is initially set equal to the concrete density. You
density. may use a different density to simulate other materials.
All loads in DeepEX are eventually transferred to rectangular footings. While not every footing in
the real world is rectangular, this simplification captures most cases. The 3rd tab gives the option
to define the footing dimensions (Figure 4.7.3). Please note that DeepEX assumes that all footings
are made of concrete and calculates the dead load of each footing based on its dimension. Also,
DeepEX gives the option to include grade beams that connect all building footings.
DEEP EXCAVATION 268


Figure 4.7.3: Footing options for buildings.
X Width along X axis footing dimension
Y Width along Y axis footing dimension
Thickness Footing thickness
Use grade beams Check this option to use grade beams to connect footings
Grade beam Bx Grade beam width along the x axis direction.
Grade beam By Grade beam width along the y axis direction (out of plane)
Use mat
foundation for Check this option to use a mat foundation for this building
building
DEEP EXCAVATION 269


Floor loads are eventually transferred to footings with the help of building columns. Column
dimensions and other parameters can be defined from the 4th tab (Figure 4.7.4).
Figure 4.7.4: Building column options.
Bx Width along X axis column dimension
By Width along Y axis column dimension
Radius Column radius (if the circular columns option is selected)
Section Area The section area of the column
Material The material of the column
Density The density of the column
Most buildings have walls. In order to better simulate building loads, DeepEX gives you the option
to simulate different exterior, interior and basement walls. Wall loads are calculated from the wall
area times the density. The open wall space can be used to simulate doors, windows, and other
openings that do not have any dead load.
DEEP EXCAVATION 270


Figure 4.7.5: Building wall options.
Here the user has the following options:
 Building has exterior basement walls. If the user checks this option, he can define the walls
thickness and density, as well as the wall’s color.
 Building has exterior superstructure walls. If the user checks this option, he can define the
walls thickness and density, as well as the wall’s color.
 Building has interior walls and partitions. If the user checks this option, he can define the
walls thickness and density, as well as the wall’s color.

In the advanced tab (Figure 4.7.6 below), we have the option to include relief load calculations.
By checking this option, DeepEX removes the effect of soil’s dead load on the surcharge stresses
since this soil is removed in order to create the basement. This is done with elastic solutions by
averaging the vertical stresses on all building corners.
DEEP EXCAVATION 271


Figure 4.7.6: Advanced building options.
Building footings can be edited by right clicking on them from the plan view (Figure 4.7.7). If a
footing is moved or its dimensions changed, and building loads will be changed (if the user
decides to do so). All column loads are calculated based on approximate tributary areas from each
supported floor. At the same time, the building will be saved is a long format since it is not fully
rectangular.
Finally, on the bottom of the Building Wizard dialog, user can define if any of the exterior walls is
continuous, as well some additional damage assessment options. User can define whether the
damage assessment will not be performed, as well as if it is going to be based on the selected
design section or an already created 3D Model (3D Frame Analysis module should be purchased
for this option to be available).

Figure 4.7.7: Building Damage Assessment options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 272


4.8 Surcharge load options
By selecting the option in the loads drop down menu of the General tab of
DeepEX, we can define the method that the surcharges (linear or distributed) will be considered
in the limit equilibrium analysis method. The software offers the following options:
1. Elasticity equations
2. Two-way distribution angle, as presented in Figure 4.8.1.

Figure 4.8.1: Two-way distribution angle approach for surcharge effects.
3. One-way distribution angle, as presented in Figure 4.8.2.

Figure 4.8.2: One-way distribution angle approach for surcharge effects.
4. One-way distribution angle from soil PHI.
DEEP EXCAVATION 273


In the Elastic load options dialog (Figure 4.8.3) user can choose the external load analysis method,
define the angle and the elastic parameter m, as well as choose to use equations with wall rigidity
when applicable.

Figure 4.8.3: Load analysis method dialog.

EXAMPLE
DEEP EXCAVATION 274


We present a case with a single vertical load surcharge, applied on 5ft distance from a diaphragm
wall, analyzed in DeepEX. We created 3 identical design sections. The surcharge has been
considered in each case as described in the following table:
Design Section Surcharge analysis method
1 Elasticity equations
2 Two-way distribution angle
3 One-way distribution angle

Figure 4.8.4 presents the model of the problem, also containing the soil and wall properties.
Figures 4.8.5 to 4.8.7 present the surcharge diagrams in each design section.

Figure 4.8.4: Model in DeepEX.

DEEP EXCAVATION 275


Figure 4.8.5: Surcharge on wall diagram – Elasticity equations.

Figure 4.8.6: Surcharge on wall diagram – Two-way distributed method.

Figure 4.8.7: Surcharge on wall diagram – One-way distributed method.

DEEP EXCAVATION 276


4.9 Project cost module

As previously mentioned, the DeepEX cost module is not supposed to produce an exact project
cost. The main idea behind the module is to be able for each individual to quickly evaluate the
effect on pricing of various alternatives. Cost profile can be customized and stored in a database.
Taking into consideration as many parameters as possible, DeepEX produces a 1st order
approximate cost estimate. The following figures and tables present the various options available
within the cost estimation options dialog:
- City Multipliers: Basic city and country cost multipliers
A cost multiplier is a factor that can account for local city or state variations compared to
the standard database. These factors are expressed as percentages. In most cases one
should use 100%.

Figure 4.9.1: City multipliers tab page.

Define the Country, State and City name
Add the area Zip Code
Define partial cost multipliers for material and installation, or a total one
Choose the currency for the cost estimation
Define the conversion factor from Dollars to selected currency
Choose to refresh currency list
Option to convert values when changing currency
Option to load a DeepEX Cost file
Option to save a DeepEX Cost file
DEEP EXCAVATION 277


- Wall: Cost data for wall construction works (installation and materials).
Figure 4.9.2: Wall tab page.

This tab page includes the following options:

Define costs for soldier piles (driven piles, drilled in piles, lagging cost) and pile diameter
Define costs for diaphragm wall (trenching soil, trenching rock, concrete Tremie) and wall depth
Define costs for driven sheet piles (leave in peace, extract and salvage) and wall depth
Define costs for secant pile walls (tangent piles, secant piles) and wall depth
Define the soldier pile lagging cost
Define the sheet pile material cost
Define the diaphragm wall material cost
Option include a multiplier for obstructions
Option use size cost factors
Option to allow or not values smaller than 1 for size cost factors
Option to select from database (see Figure 4.8.3)

DEEP EXCAVATION 278


If we choose to select costs from database, the dialog in Figure 4.8.3 appears. In this dialog we
can select the wall type, crew number and costs from the available database.
Figure 4.9.3: Costs database.
- Tiebacks: Installation and material costs for ground anchors (tiebacks).
Figure 4.9.4: Tiebacks tab page.
DEEP EXCAVATION 279



Define soil type and drilling cost
Option include a multiplier for obstructions
Define rock type and drilling cost
Option use cost for each header assembly
Define strand type and cost
Define grout material and installation cost and grout overpour
Option to select from database

- Struts: Material and installation costs for struts (and rakers).
Figure 4.9.5: Struts tab page.
Define cost for low strength and high strength struts
Define installation cost
Steel material costs defined here are also used for other steel members when appropriate.
DEEP EXCAVATION 280


- Slabs: Installation and material costs for slab supports.
Figure 4.9.6: Slabs tab page.

Define cost for materials (reinforcement, concrete and multiplier for ties)
Define installation cost for concrete and reinforcement
Option to use conventional or top down slab construction
Define multiplier for diaphragm wall reinforcement installation

DEEP EXCAVATION 281


- Wales: Installation costs for steel wale beams and supports.
Figure 4.9.7: Wales tab page.

Option to include total wale cost for each support
Define wale weight per unit length
Define installation cost

DEEP EXCAVATION 282


- Excavation: Installation costs for excavation and backfilling works.
Figure 4.9.8: Excavation tab page.


Define costs for soil, rock, haul and backfill installation
Define volume expand percentage
Option to use compaction
Option to use excavation cost multiplier
Define soil contamination and multipliers
Define contamination cost multiplier

DEEP EXCAVATION 283


- Dewatering: Installation and operation costs for dewatering (approximate).
Figure 4.9.9: Dewatering tab page.


Option to include or ignore dewatering costs
Define volume expand percentage
Option to include pump costs
Option to define number of pumps
Option to use number of wells per pump
Option to include dewatering wells
Define well length
Define well costs (material and installation)
Option to use wall spacing
Option to define number of wells

DEEP EXCAVATION 284


- Calculations: Overall cost options for mobilization, profit, etc.
Figure 4.9.10: Calculations tab page.


Option to use mobilization cost
Option to use overhead and profit
Option use contingency allowance
Option to use global cost multiplier
Option to report cost for lengths
Define wall perimeter
Define bracing perimeter
Define excavation perimeter
Define construction time

Finally, we can
 Set cost settings as default
 Open default cost settings
DEEP EXCAVATION 285


4.10 3D Model in DeepEX (3D Frame Analysis Module)
The frame module enables you to design excavations supported by walers, struts and tiebacks.
The 3D definitions consist of an external project perimeter and an excavation perimeter. A wall
perimeter is typically assigned to the excavation perimeter, with the possibility of assigning a
different wall section (relating to a design section) on each wall segment (between nodes). Walers
are attached to wall segments, and different loads along the waler from different design sections
can be defined. Once the walers are in place, struts can be drawn between walers and the
excavation shoring can be analyzed. Based on your analysis results, DeepEX will pick up the load
from each design section and figure out reactions and stress checks on walers and struts.
The frame module works better for box shaped excavations, additional modelling maybe required
for re-entrant corners or special conditions. Some simplifying assumptions are made regarding
how axial loads are distributed. Currently the software does not include any reductions in axial
force in walers due to static friction or other effects.
In order to use the 3D Model feature of DeepEX, we first need to create at least one design section
in DeepEX with two walls, loads and all design stages. Next, we can use the 3D wizard of DeepEX
in order to create a 3D model of the site. The easiest way to create a model is to use the 3D
wizard:
After creating a model (ideally with two walls), press the button to launch the 3D Model
Wizard dialog (Figures 4.10.1 to 4.10.5).
DEEP EXCAVATION 286


 Perimeter to Use tab
The first step would be to select if the existing perimeter will be used or if a new perimeter
will be defined. For better viewing results on the model use a greater DX view (length on
x axis).
Figure 4.10.1: Perimeter to use tab of 3D model wizard
This dialog provides the following options:
3D Perimeter Option to use Excavation Perimeter or Project Perimeter
Option to create new 3D Creates new 3D Perimeter according to spacing and reference
perimeter and nodes point, defined by user
Reference point coordinates Defines the coordinates of the reference point
Spacing DX and DY Defines the horizontal and vertical spacing of the rectangular
excavation site
Q Rotation angle for excavation
DEEP EXCAVATION 287


 Design Section tab
Figure 4.10.2: Design Section tab of 3D model wizard
In this dialog we can define the design section and the wall section for creating the 3D model.
The design section is used to generate all supports, stages and excavation surfaces. The wall
section is used to generate the wall properties of the 3D model. In addition, here we can define
the location of the first strut from corner as a percentage of the support spacing.
 Wall Perimeter tab
Figure 4.10.3: Wall perimeter tab of 3D model wizard
DEEP EXCAVATION 288


In this dialog we can define the wall perimeter that will be used in the 3D model. Currently only
an existing wall perimeter can be modified.
 Topographical tab
Figure 4.10.4: Topographical tab of 3D model wizard
In this dialog we can define the excavation surface that will be used. There is an option to create
a new 3D surface. In addition, here we can choose to reset all node and variable node elevations.
 OK tab
Figure 4.10.5: OK tab of 3D model wizard
DEEP EXCAVATION 289


In this dialog we can define the initial stage number, where the generated wall will be first
activated. It is recommended to always use stage 0 as the initial stage.
Figure 4.10.6: 3D model
The following table presents the basic control options of the frame analysis module:
ITEM DESCRIPTION
Creates a 2D plan of the 3D model, according to the selected
parameters
Switches between Black/white and Normal model coloring for better
definition
Calculates the 3D frame

Selects the support level to preview in the model screen. The show
support lowest level option to show the lowest stage at the current
stage.
Adds a strut support in the selected support level

Adds a tieback support in the selected support level

Explodes the model. After this action we can modify each structural
member by double clicking on it
Optimizes all objects. This option can be used since the model is
calculated
Cuts a linear item (wall, waler)

Refreshes the model stages and properties

DEEP EXCAVATION 290


After the 3D model is created, we can modify the parameters of individual supports and walers,
erase them or add new items in the model.
By double-clicking on a waler support, the waler supports dialog appears (Figure 4.10.7).

Figure 4.10.7.a: The Waler Data dialog and tab
A waler must be assigned a name, an elevation, a wall perimeter, and a wall segment. Once a
waler is assigned a wall segment, the start and end nodes of the waler must be selected. Also, we
can define the waler section type (steel member, concrete or hydraulic), as well as the waler
section properties.
A waler must be connected to another waler at each end in order to reproduce a box type reaction
behavior. The following connection options are available:
 Connect the waler to another waler
 Free end loaded by next wall
 Free end (no reaction)
 Not connected
The Support Index, tells the program which support (from the assigned wall perimeter) is used
for the primary loading (absence of any additional loading patterns).
Finally, we can define whether or not we will include reductions in axial force due to the interface
frictions, as well as the unsupported length in vertical directions.
DEEP EXCAVATION 291


In Tab B, loading patterns can be specified along the waler length to create more complex loading
conditions. The activations of the waler can be controlled from Tab C.
Figure 4.10.7.b: Waler loading patterns options
Figure 4.10.7.c: Stage activations for waler
DEEP EXCAVATION 292


The following options are available in this dialog:
Name Defines the waler name
Elevation Defines the waler elevation
Waler section Defines the waler section (it can be edited)
Wall perimeter Defines the wall perimeter
Wall Segment Defines the wall segment
Start node Defines the start node and the connected waler
End node Defines the end node and the connected waler
Support index Defines the support index
Load Patterns Option to use load patterns (add/delete patterns in the list)
Design section Defines the design section from which to create the pattern
Support index Defines the support index
Starting At / Ending At Defines the load length
Activation stage Defines the stage in which the waler is activated
Show full calculations Creates and opens an XML file with all calculations for the waler
support (the model has to be calculated)

By double-clicking on a strut or raker support, the 3D struts and rakers dialog appears (Figure
4.10.8).
Figure 4.10.8: The 3D struts and rakers dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 293


Name Defines the strut or raker name
Strut section Defines the strut or raker section (it can be edited)
Wale Segment Defines the wale segment on the start and end node of the strut
Wale node Defines the wale node for the start and end node of the strut
Offset along wale Defines the strut offset along the start and end waler
Activation stage Defines the stage in which the support is activated

By double-clicking on a tieback support, the 3D anchors dialog appears (Figure 4.10.9).
Figure 4.10.9: The 3D Anchors dialog.
Name Defines the tieback name
Tieback section Defines the tieback section
Angle Z Defines the vertical angle of the tieback
Angle XY Defines the horizontal angle of the tieback
Auto follow angle Option to follow the angle automatically when a wale segment is
used
Lfree Defines the free length of the tieback support
Lfixed Defines the fixed length of the tieback support
Use wale segment Defines the used wale segment
Offset along wale from node Defines the tieback offset along the waler, from a specific waler
node
Use general node Option to use a general node
Specify end point Option to specify an end point for the end of the tieback (used in
cases that the tieback horizontally connects two opposite walls)

DEEP EXCAVATION 294


 Nodes
By double-clicking on the nodes items, the 3D Nodes dialog appears (Figure 4.10.10). In this
dialog, we can add, delete or modify the coordinates of the 3D nodes. In DeepEX there are 2 types
of 3D Nodes: The fixed Nodes with all coordinates fixed and the variable nodes with fixed X and
Y coordinates and variable Z coordinate that can be changed in each stage. The variable nodes
are used to design the 3D surfaces.
Figure 4.10.10: The 3D Nodes and the Variable 3D Nodes dialogs.
 3D Perimeters
By double-clicking on the perimeter items, the 3D Perimeters dialog appears (Figure 4.10.11). In
this dialog, we can add, delete or modify the perimeters with the use of the created 3D nodes.
Figure 4.10.11: The 3D Perimeters dialog.
DEEP EXCAVATION 295


 3D Surfaces
By double-clicking on the surface items, the 3D Surfaces dialog appears (Figure 4.10.12). In this
dialog, we can add, delete or modify the surfaces with the use of the created 3D perimeters.
Figure 4.10.12: The 3D Surfaces dialog.
The following table describes the parameters that are available in this dialog.
Name Defines the name of the selected surface
Add New 3D Adds a new surface
Surface
Delete 3D Surface Deletes selected surface
Is Natural Surface Option that this is a natural surface
Is Excavation Option that this is an excavation surface
Surface
Include a Option to include a perimeter in the surface. User can choose from the
perimeter in the created perimeters
surface
Use wall perimeter Option to use a wall perimeter offset. User can choose from the created
offset perimeters
User Z for Var Define the elevation of the variable nodes
Node
User Z for all Define the elevation of all nodes
Nodes
User Z for Nodes Define the elevation of perimeter fixed nodes in each stage
per stage
DEEP EXCAVATION 296


 Wall perimeters
By double-clicking on the wall perimeter items, the wall perimeters and segments dialog appears
(Figure 4.10.13). In this dialog, we can modify the wall segments with the use of the created wall
sections in the created design sections.
Figure 4.10.13: The Wall Perimeters and Segments dialog.
When one wall segment is double clicked on the 2D project plan the following dialog appears:
DEEP EXCAVATION 297


Here, we can change the assigned design section and wall for the wall segment. We can choose
to use a different design section for this wall segment or assign the same design section and wall
for the whole wall perimeter.
The following table describes the parameters that are available in this dialog.
Name Defines the name of the selected wall perimeter
New Adds a new wall perimeter
Delete Deletes selected wall perimeter
Design section Defines the design section in order to use the created wall sections
Wall Defines the wall section that will be used in all segments (initially)
Use perimeter only Option to use only surface or excavation perimeter
Node 1 Start node of the specific wall segment
Node 2 End node of the specific wall segment
Toe type Defines the Toe length
L1 - L2 Lengths. Used if the option to use User defined Toe Type is selected
Custom design section Option to use a different wall section from a different (or even the
same) design section
Activate Option to use user defined activations for the wall perimeter for the
construction stages

DEEP EXCAVATION 298


 Results
Since the model is calculated, we can calculate the 3D frame, pressing on the button
in the 3D tab. When the 3D Frame calculation is succeeded, the 3D Frame
calculation summary dialog appears.
 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Summary tab
Figure 4.10.14: 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Summary tab
This tab presents the summary results for all walers and supports. Here we can review the
member elevation, moment, shear force, axial force, Ratio and section.
 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Wale results and Strut results tabs
These tabs present the same tables as in Summary tab, but only for the selected items.
DEEP EXCAVATION 299


 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Cost estimate
This tab presents the cost estimation for all model items. The following options are available:
- Cost vs. Stage

Figure 4.10.14: 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Cost Estimate tab – Cost vs. Stage
These tables summarize the total estimated cost, wall cost, tieback cost, strut cost, slab cost,
excavation cost, dewatering cost and cost index for each construction stage for the full 3D
excavation.
- Wall costs

Figure 4.10.15: 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Cost Estimate tab – Wall costs
DEEP EXCAVATION 300


Figure 4.10.15 presents all estimated material and installation costs for the wall construction.
While Figure 4.10.16 presents the summary for support costs and quantities.
- Support costs

Figure 4.10.16: 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Cost Estimate tab – Support costs
- Walers costs

Figure 4.10.17: 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Cost Estimate tab – Walers costs
DEEP EXCAVATION 301


Figure 4.10.17 presents the cost estimation summary for all walers (if present). Figure 4.10.18
summarizes the costs for all excavation and backfill procedures, for each construction stage.
- Excavation costs

Figure 4.10.18: 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Cost Estimate tab – Excavation costs
- Dewatering costs

Figure 4.10.19: 3D Frame Calculation Summary – Cost Estimate tab – Dewatering costs
DEEP EXCAVATION 302


4.11 Export drawings in DXF (DXF Module)
The Export drawings to DXF module enables you to export all 2D sections to DXF, saving you a
respected amount of time and effort. The software exports all design sections, wall sections and
top site view to DXF. User can easily manage the export font size through a robust dialog.
Figure 4.11.1: Export to DXF – Design Sections tab.
In the Design Sections tab of the export to DXF dialog, user can create the DXF files containing
the DXF drawings for each stage of the selected design section. The following options are
available:
 Select Design Section
 Select Stage
 Option to render inactive supports
 Option to render dimensions
 Option to render soil
 Option to Render boring
 Option to render all stages (this selection deactivates the Select stage option and activates
the number of columns).
 Set the scale

DEEP EXCAVATION 303


Figure 4.11.2: Export to DXF – Wall Sections tab.
In the Wall Sections tab of the export to DXF dialog, user can review and export to DXF all created
wall sections that are included in the model. There is the option to show extended wall
information on the model.
DEEP EXCAVATION 304


Figure 4.11.3: Export to DXF – Sketch View tab.
In the sketch view tab of the export to DXF dialog, user can create the DXF files containing the
sketch view of each stage of the selected design section. The following options are available:
 Option to render inactive supports
 Option to highlight new supports
 Option to render all stages (this selection deactivates the Select stage option and activates
the number of columns).
 Option to show/hide elevation axes

DEEP EXCAVATION 305


Figure 4.11.4: Export to DXF – Results diagrams tab.

In the results diagrams tab of the export to DXF dialog, user can create the DXF files containing various
results diagrams of each stage of the selected design section. The following options are available:
 Option to consolidate pressure diagrams
 Option keep uniform pressure scale
 Option to render all stages (this selection deactivates the Select stage option and activates the
number of columns).
 Option to place diagrams after cut off
 Option to show/hide elevation axes
By pressing the button , user can choose which diagrams should be included in the
model. The following options are available:

DEEP EXCAVATION 306


By pressing the button , the DXF view settings dialog appears. Figures 4.11.5 to 4.11.9 below
present the various options.
Figure 4.11.5: DXF view settings – General settings.
DEEP EXCAVATION 307


Figure 4.11.6: DXF view settings – Design Sections options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 308


Figure 4.11.7: DXF view settings – Wall sections options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 309


Figure 4.11.8: DXF view settings – Sketch view options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 310


Figure 4.11.9: DXF view settings – Pressures view options.
DEEP EXCAVATION 311


4.12 Gravity walls in DeepEX (Gravity walls module)

DeepEX offers the possibility to use a gravity retaining wall. This option is available with the
additional Gravity Wall module. User has the flexibility to create basic types of retaining walls
such as full gravity or with stem. Flexural, reinforcement can be included where ever desired.
Keep in mind that a gravity wall can also be used as a pier or an abutment wall with piles.
The use of gravity wall in the model can be defined in the “Edit wall data” dialog of DeepEX (Figure
4.12.1). When the Gravity wall module is activated, there appears the option “Use gravity wall
section”.
The “Edit wall data” dialog appears when user double-clicks on the wall in the Model area of
DeepEX.

Figure 4.12.1: The Edit wall data dialog with “Use gravity wall section” option.
Then this option is selected, user should press on the button . This will cause
the “Retaining wall data” dialog to appear (Figure 4.12.2). Here user can define the retaining wall
dimensions and reinforcement.
DEEP EXCAVATION 312


Figure 4.12.2: Retaining Wall Data Dialog
Depending on the selected wall type on the left side of this dialog, several dimension properties
are available to be defined (Table 4.12.1). The reference coordinate for a gravity wall is taken as
the left most corner of the stem (or top of wall). This coordinate is defined from the main wall
data dialog.
Table 4.12.1: Dimension properties
Height Total wall height (excluding the key if used)
Base Total base wall width
Top width Top of the wall width
Dist. To top left corner Distance to top left corner from the far-left side of the wall
Heel thick Base thickness on the driving side
Toe width Distance from the end of the main wall body to the end of the wall toe
Toe thick Base thickness on the resisting side

DEEP EXCAVATION 313


The following retaining wall types are available in DeepEX:
Wall type 0 Wall type 1 Wall type 2 Wall type 3 Wall type 4
Wall type 5 Wall type 6 Wall type 7 Wall type 8 Wall type 9

Wall type 10 Wall type 11 Wall type 12

Symbol/Option Description
Use key Select this option in order to use a passive key under the wall
Drain back face Drains back wall face when the water table is above the wall base

Calculate Driving Pressures from edge of wall: In the default mode, stability safety factors are
calculated from soil and other pressures directly acting on the driving wall sides. While this
assumption gives very good, approximate results, in theory the driving horizontal pressures can
be taken at the wall edge. By selecting this option, safety factors are calculated by pressures acting
directly on a vertical wall edge that is defined from the left most base coordinate if pressures are
driving from left to right or the right most coordinate if pressures are driving from right to left. If
this option is selected, then driving soil pressures on this vertical edge are always taken as
Active or At-rest.
The reinforcement data table enables the use of reinforcing bars on each wall face. Please note

that DeepEX does not account for development lengths and reinforcement bending. It is the final
responsibility of the engineer to decide how reinforcement has to be bent, cut, or shaped for
fabrication. DeepEX though will calculate and report all bending and shear capacities.
DEEP EXCAVATION 314

DeepEX User Manual 2018

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DEEPEX 2018 – USER’S MANUAL

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO DeepEX

1.3 Support & Technical Assistance

1.4 DeepEX training and examples

For examples please visit:

DEEP EXCAVATION ENGINEERING PROGRAM,"SOFTWARE LICENSE", APPLICABLE TO ALL

1.7.1 Activating the stand-alone license

Figure 1.6.1: The DeepEX activation window – SITE and MID codes.

1.7.2 Activating the network license

CHAPTER 2: USING DeepEX

Figure 2.1.1: Diaphragm wall excavation supported by soil anchors.

2.1.2. Retaining systems for deep excavations

2.1.2. A. Soldier Pile and Lagging Walls

Figure 2.1.3: Sheet Pile Section.

Figure 2.1.4: Typical Secant Pile Wall Section.

Figure 2.1.5: Typical Diaphragm Wall Section.

2.1.3. A. Tiebacks/Rock Anchors

Figure 2.1.6: General installation sequence of tiebacks.

Figure 2.1.7: A cross-lot project.

Figure 2.1.8: Typical Top/Down Sequence.

Figure 2.3.1: Main button

Figure 2.3.2: Design section toolbars

Figure 2.3.3: View and calculate tools

Figure 2.3.4: 3D Model options.

The following table describes the functionality of the 3D Items tree view. Paragraph 4.9 includes

Figure 2.4.1: Wizard, Project info, Model limits, Soils, Structural sections, Borings, Surface and

- Project Info: by pressing the button , we can change the project, file, company and engineer

Figure 2.4.2: Project information dialog.

- Move model elevation: by pressing the button , we can change the model elevation by

Figure 2.4.3: Model Elevation dialog.

- Model Dimension - Limits: by pressing the button , we can change the Design Section

Figure 2.4.4: Model Dimension – Limits dialog.

Figure 2.4.5: Wizard – Set units dialog.

Figure 2.4.7: Wizard – Dimensions Tab.

Figure 2.4.8.B: Soils defined from text description.

Figure 2.4.10: Wizard – Stages Tab, Automatic elevations.

Figure 2.4.11: Wizard – Stages Tab, Tabulated elevations.

Figure 2.4.12: Wizard – Stages Tab, Cantilever.

Figure 2.4.14: Wizard – Codes Tab.

- Edit soil type data: by pressing the button , the soil properties dialog appears. Here

Figure 2.4.15: Edit soil properties dialog.

Figure 2.4.16: Change soil property dialog.

Figure 2.4.17: Options for estimating soil properties from SPT or CPT dialog.

Figure 2.4.18: Edit soil layers dialog.

- CPT logs: by pressing the arrow next to the button , we can add borings and soils

Figure 2.4.20: Available CPT logs dialog.

Figure 2.4.21: Custom layers mode.

- Add second wall: by pressing the button , we can add a second wall to the

Figure 2.4.22: Add second wall.

- Draw left wall element: By pressing the option to draw a left beam (arrow next to the Edit

Figure 2.4.23: The draw left wall beam button.

Figure 2.4.24: Edit wall beam data dialog.

Figure 2.4.25: The draw right wall beam button.

Figure 2.4.26: Surface options.

Figure 2.4.27: Water elevation - settings.

Figure 2.4.28: Ground water table.

Figure 2.4.29: Water elevation - settings.

Figure 2.4.30: Support options.

Figure 2.4.31: Load options.

Figure 2.4.32: Building Wizard dialog.

- Add footing: By pressing the button , we can add a footing load in the model,

Figure 2.4.33: Footing options dialog.

Figure 2.4.34: Wale beam dialog.

- Load combinations: the load combinations option, the Load combinations dialog appears