A simplified method for predicting ground settlement profiles induced by excavation in soft clay

A series of parametric studies was performed to examine the influence factors affecting the settlement influence zone induced by excavation in soft clay. It was found that the excavation depth, width, the soft clay bottom depth and the rock-like soil depth are all related to the settlement influence zone. The potential failure surface, as deduced from the failure mechanism, covering the above-mentioned parameters, is consistent with the settlement influence zone. Thus, a simple method based on the analysis results is proposed to predict the settlement influence zone. Ten case histories and statistical data for the settlements in the Shanghai area were used to verify the proposed method.

► The settlement influence zone is highly related to the potential failure zones.
► We propose a simplified method to predict the settlement influence zone.
► The proposed method covers a variety range of excavation geometry.
► A flowchart is provided to guide the procedures in the proposed model.