Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• A novel analytical model based on plate theory accurately predicts lateral deformation of internally braced diaphragm walls, overcoming limitations of complex numerical simulations and plane-strain assumptions. • The proposed differential element moment balance method simplifies earth pressure calculation while accounting for excavation effects and multiple ground factors, enhancing practical applicability. • Validation against field measurements and numerical simulations confirms the model's reliability, and parametric analysis identifies key influencing factors for design optimization. • The analytical solution, using minimum potential energy and Ritz method, provides a design scheme for diaphragm walls under deformation control standards, facilitating efficient engineering practice.
Abstract
Current analytical methods for predicting the lateral deformation of diaphragm walls require complex calculation processes, including numerous parameters with uncertain accuracy, which are difficult to use in practical engineering applications. In this study, we propose a novel analytical approach for calculating diaphragm wall deformation. First, a differential element moment balance method for calculating earth pressure is proposed using a simplified calculation. The excavation effect on the sliding wedge and multiple factors of the ground were considered. Subsequently, the work performed by the earth pressure and internal support structure was calculated. Based on plate theory, a calculation model for the diaphragm wall deformation was established, accounting for the interaction between the ground and internal support structure. Finally, the analytical model was solved using the principle of minimum potential energy and the Ritz method. The proposed method was validated by comparing field measurement data with numerical simulations. A parametric study was conducted to explore the sensitivities of the influencing factors on the lateral deformation of the diaphragm wall, from which a design scheme for the diaphragm wall was presented under the given deformation control standard.
1. Introduction
With the continuous development of urbanization worldwide, urban underground projects have been constructed on a large scale, among which foundation pit engineering is one of the most important patterns. With the increasing depth of foundation pits and the complexity of the surrounding environment, pit construction is facing stricter deformation control standards [1]. The internally braced diaphragm wall is commonly used to control excavation-induced deformation and is known for its high rigidity, good integrity, excellent impermeability, and wide applicability [2]. The lateral deformation of diaphragm wall accompanied by ground movement, can lead to potential damage to nearby structures. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately evaluate the deformation characteristics of the diaphragm wall structures during excavation.
The deformation characteristics of internal-braced diaphragm wall are rather complex and are influenced by multiple factors, such as wall depth in the ground, wall thickness, internal brace position, and surrounding environment. Many scholars have investigated the stress and deformation characteristics of the diaphragm wall during excavation, most of them were conducted using field monitoring [3−7] and numerical simulation [8−16]. The above-mentioned studies have provided insights to the physical nature of the diaphragm wall. However, due to the complex ground conditions and the construction processes of the foundation pit, field monitoring results are only applicable to specific projects and lacking generalizability. For the numerical simulations, the output results are significantly affected by the choice of constitutive model, and heavy time cost is always needed in parametric studies. Theoretical analysis, characterized by high accuracy and efficiency under specific simplified conditions, making it convenient in practical engineering problems. Consequently, some scholars have begun theoretical analyses of the stress and deformation of the diaphragm wall.
Currently, most analytical methods for the diaphragm wall responses adopted the two-dimensional plane assumption [17−23], which failed to fully capture the overall stress and deformation characteristics of the diaphragm wall. However, only limited analytical models indicated spatial characteristics of the diaphragm wall deformation, and the plane strain assumption deviates significantly from reality [24−27]. These models, however, did not account for the dynamic ground-structure interaction during the construction process, and involve numerous calculation parameters that are difficult to be obtained. It greatly hampers the widespread application of the analytical models in practical engineering. Therefore, it is desirable to explore a relatively simple and efficient analytical model to be easily applied in calculating the diaphragm wall deformation.
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SONG Ye, ZHANG Ding-li, SUN Zhen-yu, WANG Guan-qing (2026). Analytical prediction for lateral deformation of internal braced diaphragm wall in foundation pit based on plate theory. Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-026-6282-6
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main contribution of this paper?
The paper proposes a novel analytical approach based on plate theory to predict lateral deformation of internally braced diaphragm walls in foundation pits, simplifying earth pressure calculation and accounting for soil-structure interaction, validated by field data and numerical simulations.
How does the proposed method improve upon existing analytical models?
Unlike traditional plane-strain models, the proposed method captures spatial deformation characteristics and incorporates dynamic ground-structure interaction, while reducing the number of uncertain parameters, making it more practical for engineering applications.
What are the key factors influencing diaphragm wall deformation according to the parametric study?
The parametric study identifies sensitivities to factors such as wall depth, wall thickness, internal brace position, and ground conditions, providing insights for design optimization under deformation control standards.
How is the analytical model validated?
The model is validated by comparing its predictions with field measurement data and numerical simulations, demonstrating its accuracy and reliability for practical use.
What is the practical significance of this research?
The proposed analytical model offers a simple and efficient tool for engineers to predict diaphragm wall deformation, facilitating design decisions and reducing reliance on time-consuming numerical simulations.
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