Establishment of Localized Utilization Parameters for Numerical Simulation Analysis Applied to Deep Excavations

Abstract

The aim of this study was to apply deep excavation behavior prediction models in the geotechnical field to establish localized soil parameters for gravel layers. Common software tools, including PLAXIS and SoilWorks, were used extensively. Monitoring data from deep excavation cases related to gravel layers in the Xindian area of Taiwan were collected. In the background analysis, the deformation of the retaining walls was used instead of parameters typically used in deep excavation analysis. This was performed to provide the ideal range recommendations for the input parameters when conducting a numerical simulation analysis of the Xindian District stratum or similar strata. The assessment results show that when setting the fifth layer of gravel to SPT-N = 100, PLAXIS suggested a soil elastic modulus range of 7840 N to 9800 N per square meter (kN/m2), while SoilWorks recommended a range of 2450 N to 3430 N per square meter (kN/m2). These ranges allow for a reasonable estimation of the maximum wall deformation during the final excavation stage. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that when conducting an excavation analysis in gravel layers in the Xindian area of Taiwan or in similar strata, engineers should refer to the abovementioned recommended ranges when selecting the soil elastic modulus for different software programs. This will enhance the accuracy of the deformation predictions during the final excavation stage.