Prefailure Deformation of Nailed Deep Excavations under Surcharge by Centrifuge Model Test

Abstract

To study prefailure deformations in nailed deep vertical excavations under various surcharges, four centrifuge tests were used to explain the lateral deformation of facing, the fracture mechanism of cement facing, and the settlement profile of the ground surface. The soil used in this research was Firoozkooh sand No. 161. Both surcharge applying and excavation were performed at 40 g acceleration. The depth of the excavation was 30 cm, the length of the nail varied from H/3 to 2H/3 (H: excavation depth), and the nails were installed horizontally. The nails were made of brass pipes and then sand coated. The results showed that the effect of surcharge on the lateral deformation of the facing as well as the fracture mechanism of facing is obvious. Also, it was seen that the ground settlement profile is two-line or three-line at the moment of facing fracture and is affected by surcharge.