Three-dimensional base stability of rectangular excavations in soft soils using FEM tT79p.z B
w-0mzk"
Abstract zD?K>I =
The three-dimensional base stability of rectangular excavations in soft soils was evaluated using the finite element method with *<u2:=_s
reduced shear strength. Numerical results indicate that the base stability of excavations was significantly influenced by the following "^1L'4'S
factors: (1) the depth to width ratio, (2) the thickness of the soft soil layer between the excavation base and the hard stratum, (3) the kGN+rHo
depth of walls inserted below the excavation base, (4) the stiffness of walls, and (5) the length to width ratio of the excavation. The h)Ff2tX
three-dimensional effect can be neglected at the length to width ratio larger than six. Terzaghi’s equation for base stability can be wWp(yvz
used to evaluate the three-dimensional base stability of rectangular excavations after modification. /-i!;!
2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. +(+Itmx2&
Keywords: Finite-element analysis; Three-dimensional; Soft clay; Base stability