Experimental and numerical investigation on horizontal bearing behaviors of caisson-type diaphragm wall with variable cross-sections

Abstract

This study investigates the horizontal load-bearing behavior of the Caisson-type Diaphragm Wall with Variable Cross-sections (CDWVC), a novel foundation system that integrates closed and open wall segments to improve performance and material efficiency. A series of 1g model tests was conducted using instrumented plexiglass models under controlled soil conditions to evaluate the bearing behavior under lateral loading. Finite difference simulations were also performed to complement the experimental findings and provide additional insights. The performance of CDWVCs with varying closed segment heights and open segment widths was analyzed. Results indicate that taller closed segments reduce horizontal displacements under equivalent loads and shift the rotation point closer to the surface, thereby improving overall stability. While increasing the height of the closed wall segment leads to modest improvements in horizontal ultimate bearing capacity, these gains are often outweighed by significant increases in material consumption. Conversely, expanding the width of the open wall segment results in a more substantial increase in horizontal ultimate bearing capacity relative to material usage, improving load transfer and overall stability. This design strategy achieves a favorable balance between load capacity and material efficiency compared to increasing closed wall height. The findings underscore the importance of design choices in the performance of CDWVCs under horizontal loading conditions.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

CDWVC / horizontal bearing behavior / model test / load-bearing capacity / material efficiency

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Higher Education Press