Retaining Structure Force-Deformation Analysis Model for an Ultradeep Foundation Pit

An ultradeep foundation pit is a complex system composed of a retaining structure, foundation soil, and groundwater. Design and construction of foundation pits for use at greater depths than in the past require continual improvement in the design methods and analysis methods applied. In this paper, a load-deformation analysis model of a retaining structure based on a bearing-mode analysis of an ultra-deep foundation pit is proposed. A calculation method was theoretically derived for the horizontal foundation stiffness coefficient for this model, and the influences of factors such as space size, stress path, load level, and seepage were analyzed. A numerical example and a case study of an ultra-deep foundation pit in the Hangzhou Metro Line number 1 test section are presented. The calculated results for deformation of the structure and for earth pressure were found to be similar to the results obtained from elastic-plastic finite element analysis and similar to the measured results. The results of this study indicate that the proposed analysis model adequately reflects the force-deformation characteristics of an ultra-deep foundation pit and show that the proposed analysis model appropriately considers the influences of various factors.