Abstract #
This paper describes the method of dependent pressures, focusing on its basic assumptions and practical application in the analysis of sheeting walls. The method is evaluated through a case study of an anchored sheeting wall constructed for the Prosek Metro station in Prague, Czech Republic. The study employs the dependent pressures method using GEO5 Sheeting Check software to analyze the construction process in multiple stages, assessing internal forces, deformations, and the internal stability of anchors. The results from the numerical analysis are compared with in-situ measurements to validate the method’s accuracy and applicability.
Technical Relevance #
This document is highly relevant for geotechnical engineers and professionals involved in the design and analysis of sheeting walls, particularly those working on urban excavation projects. The method of dependent pressures provides a realistic model for predicting the behavior of sheeting walls under various construction stages, making it a valuable tool for ensuring structural stability and cost-effective designs.
Target Audience #
The document is intended for geotechnical engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers, and professionals involved in construction and excavation projects. It is particularly useful for those working on projects requiring the analysis of anchored walls and other retaining structures, especially in complex urban environments where accuracy in modeling and prediction is critical.
Software and Methodology #
The numerical analysis was performed using GEO5 Sheeting Check software, which applies the dependent pressures method. This method is based on the elastic-plastic Winkler model of soil, where the loading applied to the structure is directly dependent on its deformation. The analysis accounts for the progressive construction stages, including the installation and post-stressing of anchors. The soil and structural elements are modeled using finite elements, with specific attention given to the modulus of subsoil reaction, which varies with depth and soil type.
Process Description #
The paper begins with an introduction to the challenges of designing sheeting walls for urban excavation projects, emphasizing the importance of accurate deformation modeling. The process description covers the application of the dependent pressures method in the analysis of the Prosek Metro station’s open pit. The study describes each construction stage, including soil excavation, anchor installation, and the progressive development of deformations. The internal forces and displacements in the soldier beams, as well as the stability of the anchors, are calculated for each stage and compared with in-situ measurements to validate the model.
Main Findings #
The study finds that the dependent pressures method provides a realistic and reliable model for analyzing the behavior of sheeting walls. The comparison between calculated deformations and in-situ measurements shows a close match, confirming the method’s accuracy. The analysis reveals that the internal stability of the anchors is maintained throughout the construction process, and the calculated bending moments and shear forces in the soldier beams are within acceptable limits. The results also highlight the importance of modeling the construction stages accurately to predict the structural behavior of sheeting walls under varying conditions.
Practical Applications #
The findings from this study are directly applicable to the design and analysis of anchored sheeting walls in urban excavation projects. Engineers can use the dependent pressures method to model the progressive construction stages accurately, ensuring that the structural integrity of the wall is maintained throughout the excavation process. The method is particularly valuable for projects involving deep excavations and complex soil conditions, where accurate prediction of deformations and internal forces is critical.
Limitations and Considerations #
The document acknowledges that the accuracy of the dependent pressures method depends on the quality of the input data, particularly the soil parameters and the modulus of subsoil reaction. Engineers should conduct thorough site investigations and consider local geological conditions when applying this method to their projects. The study also emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring during construction to validate the model’s predictions and adjust the design as necessary.
Conclusions #
The paper concludes that the method of dependent pressures is an effective tool for analyzing the behavior of sheeting walls in urban excavation projects. The method allows for realistic modeling of the wall’s deformation and internal forces, providing a reliable framework for designing cost-effective and structurally sound retaining structures. The successful application of this method in the Prosek Metro station project demonstrates its potential for wider use in similar geotechnical engineering projects.
Related Resources #
Further reading includes studies on the application of the dependent pressures method in other geotechnical projects, research on the use of finite element methods in retaining wall analysis, and case studies on the design of anchored walls in urban environments. Additional resources on the calibration of soil models and the analysis of construction stages can provide deeper insights into optimizing excavation support designs.
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