Influence of Deep Foundation Pit Excavation on Adjacent Pipelines: A Case Study in Nanjing, China

Abstract

To investigate the pipeline deformation pattern caused by the excavation of deep foundation pits in composite soil–rock strata, a comprehensive study integrating on-site monitoring and numerical simulation was conducted. This study centered on a deep foundation excavation project in the soft soil in Nanjing’s floodplain region. The analyses of pipeline settlement and deformation were performed based on field-measured data. This study investigated the impact of excavation on the mechanical properties of the surrounding soil that resulted in the progressive deformation of adjacent pipelines. Furthermore, numerical simulations were conducted using Plaxis 3D CONNECT Edition v22 finite element analysis software. This study elucidated the influence of factors such as pipeline–pit distance and burial depth on pipeline deformation, conducting a quantitative analysis of their effects. The results indicated that deformation primarily occurs unevenly near pit corners and is less pronounced in soil–rock strata than in single-type soil layers. This study established correlations between pipeline displacements and various factors, offering valuable insights for future excavation projects conducted under similar conditions.