Skip to main content
Log in

Three-dimensional stability analysis of excavation using limit analysis

  • Published:
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University (Science) Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The theory of limit analysis is presented for a three-dimensional stability problem of excavation. In frictional soil, the failure surface has the shape of logarithm helicoid, with the outline profile defined by a logspiral curve. The internal dissipation rate of energy caused by soil cohesion and gravity power of the failure soil is obtained through theoretical derivation. By solving the energy balance equation, the stability factor for the excavation is obtained. Influence of the ratio of width to height, the slope angle, and the top angle on the stability is examined. Numerical results of the proposed algorithm are presented in the form of non dimensional graph. Examples illustrate the practical use of the results.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Orourke T D, Odonnell C J. Deep rotational stability of tiedback excavations in clay [J]. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 1997, 123(6): 506–515.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Su S F, Liao H J, Lin Y H. Base stability of deep excavation in anisotropic soft clay [J]. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 1998, 124(9): 809–819.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Liao H J, Lin C C. Case studies on bermed excavation in Taipei silty soil [J]. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 2009, 46(8): 889–902.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Zdravkovic L, Potts D M, st John H D. Modelling of a 3D excavation in finite element analysis [J]. Géotechnique, 2005, 55(7): 497–513.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Carbonell J M, Onate E, Suarez B. Modeling of ground excavation with the particle finite-element method [J]. Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 2010, 136(4): 455–463.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Hsiung B C B. A case study on the behaviour of a deep excavation in sand [J]. Computers and Geotechnics, 2009, 36(4): 665–675.

    Article  MathSciNet  Google Scholar 

  7. Michalowski R L, Drescher A. Three-dimensional stability of slopes and excavations [J]. Géotechnique, 2009, 59(10): 839–850.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Khatri V N, Kumar J. Stability of an unsupported vertical circular excavation in clays under undrained condition [J]. Computers and Geotechnics, 2010, 37(3): 419–424.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Han C Y, Xia X H, Wang J H. Analytical solutions for three-dimensional stability of coastal slope [J]. New Frontiers in Engineering Geology and the Environment, 2013, 9: 181–185.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Xia X H, Han C Y, Wang J H. Analytical solutions for three-dimensional stability of limited slopes [J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University (Science), 2012, 17(2): 251–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Han Chang-yu, Xia Xiao-he, Wang Jian-hua. Upper bound solutions of ultimate bearing capacity of curved footing [J]. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 2012, 34(2): 230–236 (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  12. Drucker D C, Prager W. Soil mechanics and plastic analysis or limit design [J]. Quarterly of Applied Mathematics, 1952, 10(2): 157–165.

    MathSciNet  MATH  Google Scholar 

  13. Farzaneh O, Askari F, Ganjian N. Threedimensional stability analysis of convex slopes in plan view [J]. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 2008, 134(8): 1192–1200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Zhao L H, Li L, Yang F, et al. Upper bound analysis of slope stability with nonlinear failure criterion based on strength reduction technique [J]. Journal of Central South University of Technology, 2010, 17(4): 836–844.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Xiao-he Xia  (夏小和).

Additional information

Foundation item: the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41002095, 41172251 and 41272317)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Han, Cy., Chen, Jj., Wang, Jh. et al. Three-dimensional stability analysis of excavation using limit analysis. J. Shanghai Jiaotong Univ. (Sci.) 18, 646–649 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12204-013-1445-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12204-013-1445-7

Key words

CLC number

Navigation