Finite Element Modeling with Sensitivity and Parameter Variation Analysis of a Deep Excavation: From a Case Study

Current deep excavation applications, which pose risks for constructing high-rise buildings and infrastructures, are increasing. Therefore, the increasing urbanization, underground infrastructure requirements, and time and cost constraints in construction projects have led to a growing demand for rapid, economical, and safe deep excavation designs. Although numerical modeling tools enable rapid analyses, the reliability of soil engineering parameters remains a challenge due to natural variability, sample disturbances, and differences between laboratory and field test conditions. In this study, PLAXIS 2D (Version 24) was used to model a deep excavation, allowing for the assessment of soil–structure interaction and excavation-induced deformations. The objectives are to compare field data with the numerical model and identify which soil parameters are critical for excavation. Through the sensitivity analysis, the study highlighted that the variations in shear strength parameters, such as cohesion and internal friction angle, are crucial and shall be precisely determined. The performed analyses revealed that even minor changes in the internal friction angle can dramatically impact displacements by doubling them and highlight the significant disparity between the minimum and maximum margins. The numerical analysis underscores the need for precise parameter measurement and careful analysis to achieve reliable results and ensure safer, more effective designs. The comparison of numerical results with field measurements confirmed the model’s accuracy.

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