Abstract #
This paper describes the design of sheet piling for the extension of Metro Line C in Prague, covering the section from Ládví station to the northern districts of Prosek and Letňany. The project involved challenging geotechnical conditions, including loess and weathered sandy marlstones, which required a robust design approach. The design utilized the GEO5 Sheeting Check program, employing the dependent pressures method to ensure stability. The paper also provides a comparison between the design calculations and in-situ monitoring results, highlighting the effectiveness of the adopted methods.
Technical Relevance #
This document is highly relevant for geotechnical engineers and professionals involved in urban infrastructure projects, particularly those working on subway or metro extensions. The detailed analysis of sheet piling design in complex soil conditions offers valuable insights into the practical application of advanced geotechnical software, such as GEO5, and the dependent pressures method.
Target Audience #
The document is intended for geotechnical engineers, construction professionals, and researchers focused on the design and implementation of deep excavation support systems. It is also valuable for those involved in urban transportation projects and the application of Eurocode-based design methodologies.
Software and Methodology #
The design calculations were performed using the GEO5 Sheeting Check software, which incorporates the dependent pressures method. This method considers the interaction between soil and structure based on deformation, ensuring that the lateral earth pressures are accurately modeled throughout the construction stages. The analysis included multiple geological profiles and 22 different anchor types to accommodate the varying conditions encountered in the open pit excavation.
Process Description #
The document begins with an overview of the geological conditions encountered along the Prague Metro Line C extension. The design process is then detailed, covering the calculation assumptions, construction sequences, and the structural configuration of the sheet pile walls. The paper also describes the monitoring of horizontal displacements during construction, comparing these with the calculated values to validate the design approach.
Main Findings #
The study found that the GEO5 Sheeting Check software provided reliable results, with minimal variation between calculated and measured displacements. The dependent pressures method proved effective in accounting for the soil-structure interaction, leading to a stable and efficient design. The results confirmed that the chosen design approach was appropriate for the challenging geotechnical conditions, ensuring the safety and durability of the metro extension.
Practical Applications #
The insights from this project are directly applicable to similar urban infrastructure projects involving deep excavations and complex soil conditions. Engineers can use the findings to inform their use of geotechnical software and the dependent pressures method in the design of sheet piling and other retaining structures, ensuring stability and compliance with safety standards.
Limitations and Considerations #
The document acknowledges that the accuracy of the design is dependent on the precise determination of soil parameters and the careful monitoring of displacements during construction. While the study provided robust results for the specific conditions encountered, engineers should conduct thorough site investigations and consider potential variations in soil behavior when applying similar methods to other projects.
Conclusions #
The paper concludes that the GEO5 Sheeting Check software, combined with the dependent pressures method, is an effective tool for designing sheet piling in complex geotechnical environments. The successful application of this method in the Prague Metro Line C extension demonstrates its potential for use in other urban infrastructure projects, particularly in challenging soil conditions. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating design software with in-situ monitoring to achieve safe and reliable outcomes.
Related Resources #
Further reading includes case studies on the application of dependent pressures methods in other metro and subway projects, as well as guidelines on the use of GEO5 software for different types of retaining structures. Additional resources on the calibration of soil models for accurate FEM analysis can also provide deeper insights into optimizing design strategies.
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