Three-dimensional base stability of rectangular excavations in soft soils using FEM +8GxX$
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Abstract o_[I#PT
The three-dimensional base stability of rectangular excavations in soft soils was evaluated using the finite element method with yBv4 xKMH
reduced shear strength. Numerical results indicate that the base stability of excavations was significantly influenced by the following &b2@+/ F
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 .v9i|E=<~
depth of walls inserted below the excavation base, (4) the stiffness of walls, and (5) the length to width ratio of the excavation. The BrZ17
three-dimensional effect can be neglected at the length to width ratio larger than six. Terzaghi’s equation for base stability can be ?,[$8V
used to evaluate the three-dimensional base stability of rectangular excavations after modification. gb[.Ww
2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 2(Yt`3Go(
Keywords: Finite-element analysis; Three-dimensional; Soft clay; Base stability