Work

Optimization of Zoned Excavation and Servo Strut Systems for Deep Excavation Groups Adjacent to Historic Buildings in Soft Soil

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Deep excavation groups in soft soil can endanger adjacent historic buildings. This paper presents a 3D finite element analysis of a project in Ningbo, employing the HSS constitutive model. Three excavation schemes were compared. The small-zone staged excavation from near to far proved optimal: relative to the conventional large-block scheme, it reduced maximum wall displacement on the heritage-building side by 37.0% and building tilt by 54.0%; servo struts were then introduced in the critical sub-excavation and optimized via response surface methodology. A layered control hierarchy was revealed—wall bulging is governed by the third and fourth struts (F3 ≈ F4 > F2), and mean settlement by the third strut (F3 > F2 ≈ F4). Building tilt control relies on synergistic action of all three struts (F3 > F2 > F4), with significant antagonistic interactions among struts at high force levels. The optimal combination (F2 = 1200 kN, F3 = 1800 kN, F4 = 1550 kN) limits maximum tilt to 0.380‰, well below the 1.0‰ code limit, and remains robust under various weighting scenarios.

Source: Buildings

DOI: 10.3390/buildings16122432

Authors: Chunxiao Chen, Houteng Xu, Pengfei Wang, Shixin Guo, Honggui Di

Institution: Tongji University

Language: English

Topic: Geotechnical Engineering and Analysis

Subfield: Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137