Tokyo Institute of Technology Winter Quarter 2005

Department of Civil Engineering Professor Kamran M. Nemati

ATCE -II – Advanced Topics in Civil Engineering

Answers to Assignment 4

Problem 1:
A 20-ft-deep cut for a basement excavation is specified to be sloped at 1:2 (one horizontal to
two vertical). The upper 40 ft of soil at the site consists of a homogeneous clay with a density
of 90 pcf and an unconfined compressive strength averaging 2400 psf. The water table is at
great depth. Can the cut be made? If so, what is the factor of safety for the slope? Is the slope
safe enough for the normal work to progress in the excavation without danger?

H = 20 ft
β = tan-1 2 = 63°
⇒ NS = 5.1
γ = 90 lb/ft3
qu = 2400 lb/ft2 ⇒ From Table 7.1:

qu (psf) Cohesion, c (psf)

2000 1000 5.1
2400 X
4000 2000 63
°

4000 − 2000 2000 − 1000

So, = ⇒ X = 1200 psf = C
2400 − 2000 X − 1000

HC =
C NS
=
(1200)(5.1) = 68 ft
γ 90
H C 68 ft
FS = = = 3. 4
H 20 ft

Cut can be made safely, and normal work can progress without danger.

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ATCE II− Answers to Assignment 4 Page 2

Problem 2:
For what kind of excavation is internal struts bracing most appropriate?

Internal struts are most appropriate for narrow excavations. Before struts are installed, a
horizontal member called a waler is placed against the soil support. Intermediate struts are
then installed from waler to waler across the excavation.

What type of bracing is most appropriate for wide excavations? (assume that you
cannot encroach into the adjacent subsurface properties).

• For very wide excavations, raker bracing is used.

• The support for the rakers (driven piles or footings) are installed at the bottom of the
excavation.
• Construction of the soil support and removal of the remainder of the excavation then
begins.
• Compared to cross-lot bracing, in raker bracing system the central portion of the work area
is relatively uncluttered.

Draw a picture and show the elements of this system.

Problem 3:
Usually, the excavation wall is left in place after the permanent construction inside
the braced excavation is complete. In case of tieback systems, what should be done
if they are left in place and why?

Tiebacks are always cut to relieve tension when the permanent structure can safely carry
the load.

Problem 4:
A large, 200-square-foot, structure is to be built on a downtown site where
subsurface conditions are as shown in Figure below. The structure’s foundations are
to be placed on the surface of the dense sand. A-four-foot-deep gravel fill is then to
be placed above the sand to support the basement floor. Streets and sidewalks

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ATCE II− Answers to Assignment 4 Page 3

Problem 4 (Continued):
surround the property. The proposed structure walls extend to within five feet of the
sidewalk line. Propose a method for supporting the excavation walls. Use sketches
and justify your assumptions.

I. Considerations 0

(a) Large area prohibits use of cross lot

bracing.
(b) Water table is at the bottom of excavation Stiff clay
and does not pose serious problems.
Depth, feet
(c) Downtown work site prohibits sloping
excavation cuts. Though clay may be able 26 GWT
to be cut vertically – Table 7.1 lists safe
heights of 20’-40’ for stiff clay – this
neglects the loads of street traffic and Dense medium sand

adjacent structures. Though might slope 40

the cuts to circumvent the effect of these
Limestone
loads, have a maximum of only 5’ for
sloping cuts. 50
Soil profile

(d) Of primary importance is the limitation of any lateral movements. This

movement would result in settlements of adjacent structures. Might estimate
settlement using Figure 7.18. Assuming condition I, and considering 50’
distance,
Distance/depth =2
Settlement/depth = 0.15%
∴ Settlement = (0.0015)(26’) = 0.5”
could, then, have a serious problem.
(e) Excavating only in stiff clay.

II. Support Method: Soldier Piles and Horizontal Lagging.

III. Construction and Problems

(a) Predrill holes through clay for H-piles on 8’-12’ centers.
(b) Set piles. Piles should penetrate 5’ - 10’ into the sand stratum, providing some
resistance to lateral movement.
(c) Drive piles into sand.
(d) Begin excavation, installing horizontal lagging between flanges.
(e) Excavate uniformly, placing the backs at uniform intervals, and pretensioning
tie backs to loads greater than those expected.

ATCEII_ha4.doc