Analysis of selecting the thickness of reinforced concrete Diaphragm Wall for excavation of High-Rise buildings using the Finite element method

Abstract

In a densely populated urban area, constructing basement in highrise buildings with deep excavations can be very complex and can have negative impacts such as settlement, cracks or damage to the structure, or even pose safety during construction, affecting neighboring buildings. The reinforced concrete retaining wall, also known as a Diaphragm Wall or Barrette, is designed as a structural component as the basement wall when construction is completed. It is considered one of the most suitable solutions for stabilizing during excavation. Currently, the finite element method is widely used in simulating and calculating the structural design of diaphragm walls due to its stable results and compatibility with practical measurements. In this article, the author uses the Hardening Soil model in Plaxis 3D to investigate the impact of wall thickness on displacement and internal force distribution within the wall. The analytical results are applied to the project of a two-story basement at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences in Dong Da, Hanoi.

Keywords: Diaphragm wall; excavation; finite element method; wall thickness