Abstract:
Deep cement mixed (DCM) walls are
widely used in supporting excavations in many parts
of the world. In this paper, a case study of an
excavation supported by a DCM wall with steel
inclusions is analysed using a three-dimensional
finite element model and based on the coupled
theory of nonlinear porous media. The DCM wall is
constructed with wide flange steel inclusions. The
stress–strain behaviour of the DCM wall section is
simulated using an extended version of the Mohr–
Coulomb model, which considers the strain-soften ing behaviour of DCM columns beyond yield. The
computed lateral deformations are compared with
the field measurements to validate the numerical
modelling procedure. Using the same case study, the
internal stability of the wall against bending and
shear failure modes is investigated. In addition, the
lateral pressure distribution along the wall length is
investigated because in practice design is carried out
considering a uniform pressure distribution assuming
rigid wall movements. A parametric study was
carried out to investigate the viability of DCM
walls in supporting excavations by varying the
spacing between steel inclusions, wall thickness
and initial lateral earth pressure. Based on the results
of the parametric study, guidelines are proposed to
select the most efficient geometric arrangement of
steel inclusions within DCM walls
