Evaluation of deformations in supported (strut) deep excavation applications

Support structures are built to bear the loads affecting the deep excavation system. This study aims to model the strut and anchor elements used to ensure stability in deep excavations with different parameters and examine their effects on deep excavations with numerical analysis. The Diaphragm wall and deep excavation were modeled in Plaxis 2D, strut and anchored system were modeled in Plaxis 3D. While the unsupported deep excavation was subject to collapse, excessive displacement was observed in the deep excavation with diaphragm walls. Anchors and struts were added to the system to reduce displacements. Changing the anchor spacing and anchor length significantly affected the horizontal displacements in the excavation area. While strut diameter, strut wall thicknesses and strut length do not have a significant effect on diaphragm wall displacements, they do have an effect on strut deformations and forces on the support elements.