An experimental study on time dependent ground settlement behind a braced excavation in soft clay using geotechnical centrifuge

Model studies using geotechnical centrifuge is now-a-days very popular for understanding the behaviour of foundations and braced excavations in soil. In the present investigation, a systematic study of the ground deformation behind a braced excavation in soft clayey soil similar to that available in Kolkata is performed using physical model study in geotechnical centrifuge considering construction delay/construction stoppage at different depths and distances away from the wall. The mechanism of this deformation was also assessed by evaluating the contribution of undrained, consolidation and creep deformation to the total ground deformation. The tests results were also used to predict the effect of construction delay on various important factors like rate of settlement, change of zone of influence behind a braced wall, etc. Further, the experimental results are also validated with the observed values obtained from the reported case studies.