Arched effects of soil behind soldier's pile wall on excavation behavior

In recent years, increasing extent of urban density and the need for deeper basements due to high-rise buildings have led to greater excavation depths. Deep excavations are among the most complex challenges in geotechnical engineering, requiring precise design, rigorous monitoring, and considerable investment to ensure safety. This study investigates the effects of soil arching behind excavation walls supported by single-sided piles using numerical methods. The findings demonstrate that the arching mechanism reduces lateral earth pressure by transferring loads from the soil between piles to the structural elements themselves, thereby enhancing the system's stability and making retaining structures more cost-effective.

Keywords:

Soil arching , Single-sided pile , Timber lagging , Excavation wall stability