Discussion: An approximate analysis of the three-dimensional effects of diaphragm wall installation

Abstract

Stress changes are dominated by two distinct mechanisms: horizontal arching and downward load transfer. Horizontal arching results in stresses being redistributed laterally during the construction of successive wall panels, but does not result in significant overall stress reductions. In contrast, downward load transfer results in substantial stress reductions by shedding load downwards beneath the toe through the action of shear stresses in a vertical plane. Consequently, there is a substantial increase in lateral stress beneath the toe. Conclusions are drawn on the variables which affect displacements and average lateral stresses at the end of wall installation. Lateral stress distributions along a diaphragm wall at the end of installation will be non-uniform, and will vary with panel installation sequence. -from Authors