The influence of the construction methodology on the modelled response of shafts
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Pedro, Antonio MG
Taborda, David
Repsold, Lucas M
Almeida e Sousa, Jorge
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Shaft excavation is essential in modern cities, allowing for quick and direct access to the underground, where most transportation networks and utilities are being installed to reduce surface congestion. Selecting the appropriate construction methodology is critical to minimize ground movements, while ensuring structural stability and construction efficiency. This study assesses the performance of three typical construction methodologies – Excavation Before Support (EBS), Support Before Excavation (SBE) and Dual-Lined Shafts (DLS) – through a comprehensive numerical study. The validation of the adopted modelling approach for each methodology is performed by simulating three case studies in close proximity to each other. Several aspects of numerical modelling are discussed, such as the simulation of the hardening behavior of the sprayed concrete, the modelling the wall installation and their stiffness anisotropy. For each methodology, the influence of key variables is assessed through parametric studies, highlighting the importance of the excavation step height, the lining thickness and the embedded length of the wall. A final study, where all methodologies are compared for the same ground conditions, is carried out for two shaft diameters. Results indicate that SBE produces the smallest ground movements but induces the highest lining forces. In contrast, EBS originates higher ground movements due to significant soil decompression but smaller lining forces. DLS methodology exhibits an intermediate behavior, although more similar to that observed in EBS. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting an adequate shaft construction methodology and provide valuable information regarding the appropriate numerical simulation of each technique.
Date Issued
2025-10-01
Date Acceptance
2025-07-30
Citation
Soils and Rocks, 2025, 48 (4), pp.1-15
ISSN
1980-9743
Publisher
Brazilian Association for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering AND Portuguese Geotechnical Society
Start Page
1
End Page
15
Journal / Book Title
Soils and Rocks
Volume
48
Issue
4
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
License URL
Identifier
10.28927/SR.2025.004025
Publication Status
Published