Proceedings of the Institution of

Civil Engineers
Geotechnical Engineering 156
July 2003 Issue GE3
Pages 147–158
Paper 13218
Received 13/12/2002
Accepted 07/04/2003
Keywords: Andy R. Pickles Siew Wei Lee Brian A. W. Norcliffe
excavation/geotechnical Director, Geotechnical Geotechnical Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Bachy
engineering/groundwater Consulting Group (Asia) Ltd, Geotechnical Consulting Soletanche Group Ltd, Hong
Hong Kong Group (Asia) Ltd, Hong Kong
Kong

Groundwater and ground movement around deep excavation

A. R. Pickles, S. W. Lee and B. A. W. Norcliffe

The Tsuen Wan West Station of Kowloon Canton

Railway Corporation was constructed on both previously Mainland China

and recently reclaimed land. The project comprised

approximately 600 m of cut-and-cover approach tunnels
and a 400 m long station structure constructed in a 20 m
New Territories
deep excavation. Extensive instrumentation monitoring N
was carried out to monitor groundwater levels, ground
movements and displacement of adjacent structures
KCRC
during the course of construction. This paper presents West Rail
background information on the construction site and the
monitoring results. It was found that the groundwater Tsuen Wan
regime on the seaward side was strongly influenced by West Station

tidal movements throughout the monitoring period,

whereas the landward groundwater regime showed a
diminished tidal influence soon after construction of the
diaphragm wall. Rock grouting carried out beneath the
diaphragm wall was effective in mitigating drawdown of
piezometric level outside the wall. The magnitude of the
drawdown was found to be a function of diaphragm wall
depth. Data on ground settlement, diaphragm wall
deflection and groundwater were interactively discussed
as the construction progressed. Finally subsurface
settlement data were reviewed to highlight the adverse
effect of pre-trenching for diaphragm wall construction
and excessive drawdown in the weak rock layer.
1. INTRODUCTION
The Kowloon Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) has
undertaken construction of a railway linking the western area
of the New Territories to Kowloon, known as ‘West Rail’ (see
Fig. 1). Contract CC-300 for the construction of Tsuen Wan
West Station comprised approximately 600 m of cut-and-cover
approach tunnels and a 400 m long station structure
constructed in a deep excavation (Fig. 2). Construction of the
northern and southern approach tunnels and station required
excavation to a depth of up to approximately 20 m below
ground level within a concrete diaphragm cut-off wall.
The station and the southern approach tunnel (SAT) are
constructed partly on previously reclaimed land (old
reclamation) and partly on new reclamation (Fig. 3). The
northern approach tunnel (NAT) is constructed entirely on
previously reclaimed land. The old reclamation was constructed
more than ten years ago. Construction of the new reclamation
commenced in March 1999 and was completed in October
2000. The reclamation works involved dredging of soft seabed
HK New Kowloon
Airport
HK Island
Fig. 1. Tsuen Wan West Station of KCRC West Rail project,
Hong Kong
soils (marine deposit), the formation of seawalls, and hydraulic
placement of sand fill, which was vibro-compacted.
Various existing structures are located adjacent to the station
and tunnels. These include: the elevated four-lane Tsuen Wan
Bypass (TWB), which runs parallel to the site at a distance of
approximately 40 m from the landward diaphragm wall; the
Tsuen Wan central salt water pumping station adjacent to the
NAT; and gas and water mains and culverts that cross over
the site (Fig. 3). Dewatering and excavation for the station,
tunnels and culvert diversions inevitably resulted in ground
movements that had some influence on these adjacent
structures and utilities. In anticipation of these movements, a
comprehensive set of geotechnical instrumentation was
installed to monitor the variation of groundwater levels,
1
ground movements and displacement of adjacent structures.
This paper presents a review of the groundwater data in order
to establish the effectiveness of the cut-off wall in mitigating
drawdown outside the diaphragm wall. Movements of the
ground surface and diaphragm wall at a particular section of
the station will be discussed. Finally the paper reviews the

Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al. 147

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Northern
approach tunnel

Station

Boundary of new Tsuen Wan

reclamation Bypass

Southern
approach tunnel

Fig. 2. Aerial photograph of Tsuen Wan West Station construction site

Southern approach tunnel (SAT) Station Northern approach tunnel (NAT)

GL 50
Sea

New reclamation 428 449 Sea

452
113 107
C 409 C 415 429 436 450 PS
404 407 C

GL S1 Old reclamation
TWB
GL 50
: PZ
: VPZ
: INC
: MPX 100 m
: New reclamation area
C: Culvert
PS: Pumping station
TWB: Tsuen Wan Bypass

Fig. 3. Plan view of schematic details and instrumentation locations at Tsuen Wan site: P2,
piezometer; VP2, vibrating wire piezometer; INC, inclinometer; MPX, magnetic probe
extensometer

subsurface settlement due to pre-trenching and diaphragm wall Hong Kong marine environment, and although some variation
installation, and deep excavation and dewatering. is exhibited the following general features are apparent.

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1. Ground conditions
The ground conditions at the site are shown in Fig. 4
(subsurface geological profiles along the landward (eastern)
diaphragm walls). The ground conditions are typical of the
(a) The new reclamation fill on the seaward side of the site is
vibro-compacted marine sand, which was hydraulically
placed. The soft marine clay that blankets the seabed in
Hong Kong was removed prior to placement of the fill.
(b) The fill in the older reclamation comprises mostly general
fill and is more variable than the newer marine sand fill.

148 Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al.

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 contract) to 26 m where it joins the station. The level of the
Distance: m
underside of the base slab varies from
13 mPD to
17 mPD.
Location of seawall
The NAT is 315 m long. The tunnel width varies from 18 m at
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Ground level
the northern end (where it joins a tunnel from another
5
6 Tunnel
contract) to 28 m where it joins the station. The level of the
0 Fill Fill
Fill underside of the base slab varies from
13 mPD to
15 mPD.
⫺5 13
MD The tunnels were constructed between diaphragm walls. The
⫺10 13
All. All. MD All.
walls are 1·2 m thick where they form the permanent side walls
All.
⫺15 22
Level: mPD

CDG for the tunnels within approximately 50 m of the station,

Rock
⫺20 CDG 19
⫺25 65
⫺30
Rock 97
⫺35
⫺40
⫺45 SAT Station
Fig. 4. Geological profiles of Tsuen Wan West Station: MD,
marine deposit; All., alluvium; CDG, completely decomposed
granodiorite. Marine deposit was fully dredged during new
reclamation
General fill is a non-cohesive material with maximum
particle size less than 200 mm. As a result of the relatively
loose specification requirements general fill can have a
very variable composition but typically contains a large
proportion of completely decomposed rock. Although most
of the old fill is granular, silty and clayey material was
often encountered. A significant thickness of boulders or
rockfill was encountered, particularly in the area of former
seawalls.
(c) The ground level is typically at 4·0 to 5·0 mPD and the
base of the fill is typically at a level between
8 mPD and

10 mPD. The term ‘PD’ refers to principal datum, and
0 mPD is 1·3 m above mean sea level in Hong Kong. In the
area of the station and northern approach tunnel the older
reclamation fill is generally underlain by approximately
2–5 m of soft marine clay.
(d ) The alluvium that underlies the fill or marine deposits is
generally granular and has a thickness typically in the
range 2–5 m. Alluvial clay has been encountered at some
locations. The base of the alluvium is typically at a depth
of
12 mPD to
15 mPD.
(e) A variable thickness of completely decomposed
granodiorite (CDG) underlies the alluvium. The level of the
rockhead at the site is extremely variable, ranging from
approximately
12 mPD to
40 mPD. The rock underlying
the site is highly fractured in some areas.
2.2. Description of structure design
The station is 390 m long and 42 m wide. The level of the
underside of the base slab is
12·5 mPD. The station was
constructed between 1·2 m thick diaphragm walls, which form
the permanent side walls. The diaphragm walls are load
bearing and are founded on the underlying bedrock. The
station is a two-level structure with the base slab, concourse-
level slab and ground-level roof slab forming the permanent
props between the walls.
The SAT is 285 m long. The tunnel width varies from 21 m at
the southern end (where it joins a tunnel from another
CDG
Rock designated as the transition tunnels. Elsewhere the diaphragm
walls are 0·8 m thick and are essentially temporary works,
although they have been left in place after completion of the
structure. The box of the tunnels within the temporary
6: SPT N
diaphragm walls is a ‘floating’ structure, which was constructed
below water table but not anchored down to rockhead. The
NAT
maximum diaphragm wall panel length was 6·4 m. Within the
tunnels five levels of temporary props were generally required.
2.3. Construction method
This paper concerns the construction stage up to October 2001,
when the main structural elements for the station and tunnels
were essentially complete. Pre-trenching was required prior to
diaphragm wall construction in areas where the fill and
alluvium contained significant cobble and boulder layers. The
pre-trenching comprised excavation of the panel to the base of
the cobble and boulder layer using bentonite/cement slurry to
temporarily support the excavation. The slurry was then left to
set prior to re-excavation for construction of the wall.
Where the diaphragm wall was founded on rock, contact
grouting was used both to improve the bearing capacity and
reduce the local permeability of the rock. The contact grouting
comprised cement grouting to a depth of approximately 1 m
below the toe of the wall. In addition, rock grouting using a
micro-fine cement to a depth of 5 m below the toe of the wall
was carried out below the landward station diaphragm wall.
This was adopted in order to reduce the permeability of the
rock and thereby reduce the potential for drawdown of the
piezometric level outside the station on the landward side of
the site. There was no concern over the drawdown on the
seaward side of the site, as there were no sensitive structures
on the seaward side and the groundwater regime was
continually recharged by the sea.
For construction purposes the station and tunnels were divided
into shorter sections either by bentonite cement slurry cut-off
walls or by sheet pile walls with bottom grouting, or by a
combination of slurry walls and sheet piles. Prior to excavation
within any section of the approach tunnels or station a series
of pumping tests were carried out to demonstrate the
effectiveness of the water cut-off around the proposed
excavation.
Excavation-related dewatering was controlled to ensure that at
any time the water level was approximately 1 m below the
excavation level. In order to prevent flotation of the structure
the dewatering had to be maintained until the structure and
backfilling to ground surface were complete. The station and
tunnels were constructed ‘bottom up’, requiring full-depth
excavation prior to casting the base slab as the lowest-level
permanent strut.

Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al. 149

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Construction of the diaphragm walls commenced in February
Before DWall After DWall: level controlled by
2000. Work continued on a number of fronts, and at any time completion pumping tests, dewatering and
diaphragm walling, dewatering and excavation were ongoing seasonal variation
at different areas within the site. 4.0

3.0
3. PIEZOMETRIC LEVEL RESPONSE AT DEPTH
2.0

Piezometric level: mPD

Two rows of vibrating wire piezometers (VPZs) were installed
within approximately 5 m of the outside face of the seaward 1.0
and landward diaphragm walls, with their tips located
0.0 Variation after
approximately 0·3 m above the rockhead. The primary function Variation DWall
of the VPZs was to monitor the drawdown of the piezometric ⫺1.0 before DWall

level outside the excavation for the station and approach ⫺2.0
tunnels during dewatering. The piezometric level at depth was
⫺3.0
influenced by fluctuation of the tidal water level, seasonal
variation of water level in the fill, and the effects of ⫺4.0

Jan 00
Feb 00
Mar 00
Apr 00
May 00
Jun 00
Jul 00
Aug 00
Sep 00
Oct 00
Nov 00
Dec 00
Jan 01
Feb 01
Mar 01
Apr 01
May 01
Jun 01
Jul 01
Aug 01
Sep 01
Oct 01
Nov 01
dewatering. The response of the piezometric level at depth was
also complicated in areas where the marine clay was left in
place, effectively forming an aquiclude between the upper fill
materials and the underlying granular alluvial deposits and Fig. 6. Daily piezometric level variation of VPZ 429 on
CDG. landward side

3.1. Response of the piezometric level to tidal

fluctuation
Most of the VPZs show some piezometric level fluctuation due
to tidal effects. The magnitude of the response is a function of
the distance of the piezometer from the seawall, the state of the
hydraulic connection through the ground between the sea and
the piezometer tip, and the presence of the diaphragm walls. To
illustrate this it is worth comparing the data recorded at VPZ
428 (
5 m) and VPZ 429 (+6 m), which are on opposite sides
of the station. The ‘
’ and ‘+’ symbols in the brackets indicate
the seaward and landward offset from the diaphragm wall
respectively. The locations of VPZ 428 and VPZ 429 are shown
in Fig. 3 and the data obtained from them are shown in Figs 5
and 6 respectively. The following points can be observed.
(a) Prior to construction of the diaphragm wall the daily
piezometric level response at VPZ 428 varied by
approximately 1·5 m, whereas the daily piezometric level
response at VPZ 429 varied by only approximately 1·2 m.
Before DWall After DWall: level controlled by pumping
completion tests, dewatering and seasonal variation
3.0
Variation after
2.5
DWall
2.0
Piezometric level: mPD
The smaller daily level fluctuation at VPZ 429 is attributed
to the fact that this piezometer was located approximately
50 m further from the sea than VPZ 428.
(b) The diaphragm walls in this area were completed around
the beginning of August 2000, and it can be seen that the
daily level variation at VPZ 429 immediately decreased to
approximately 0·3 m. This demonstrates the effectiveness of
the diaphragm walls in insulating against tidal effects. The
daily level variation at VPZ 428 remained relatively
unchanged, however, as it was still subject to seawater
recharge.
(c) After completion of the diaphragm walls the piezometric
levels of both the VPZs were lowered owing to pumping
tests, excavation-related dewatering and seasonal or
rainfall variation. These issues will be discussed later.
The typical ranges of daily piezometric level variation for the
seaward and landward piezometers are shown in Figs 7 and 8
respectively. The horizontal axis of the figures shows the
locations of the piezometers along the station and tunnels. The
solid and open symbols are for data before and after
completion of the adjacent diaphragm wall respectively. It can
be seen from Fig. 7 that the maximum daily level variation on
the seaward side of the site occurred towards the north end of
the station box and the adjacent NAT, with much smaller

1.5 variations at the southern end of the SAT and the northern end
of the NAT. Fig. 7 shows that after completion of the
1.0
diaphragm walls most of the piezometers show no significant
0.5
reduction to the daily piezometric variation, as the piezometers
0.0 Variation
before DWall were still subject to seawater recharge. The piezometric
⫺0.5 reduction is denoted by the downward-pointing arrows in the
⫺1.0 figure.
⫺1.5
Jan 00
Feb 00
Mar 00
Apr 00
May 00
Jun 00
Jul 00

May 01
Aug 00
Sep 00
Oct 00
Nov 00
Dec 00
Jan 01
Feb 01
Mar 01
Apr 01

Jun 01
Jul 01
Aug 01
Sep 01
Oct 01
Nov 01

Figure 8 compares the landward daily fluctuation of

piezometric level before and after completion of the diaphragm
walls. The daily level variation on the landward side prior to
construction of the diaphragm walls was generally less than
Fig. 5. Daily piezometric level variation of VPZ 428 on
seaward side that measured on the seaward side. Upon completion of the
diaphragm walls the daily level variation on the landward side

150 Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al.

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 SAT Station NAT SAT Station NAT
2.2 0
Before DWall After DWall
Range of daily piezometric variation: m 2.0 ⫺1
1.8 ⫺2
1.6 ⫺3

Max. drawdown: m
1.4 ⫺4

1.2 ⫺5

1.0 ⫺6

0.8 ⫺7

0.6 ⫺8

0.4 ⫺9

0.2 ⫺10 Seaward Landward

0.0 ⫺11
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
0

1000
100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900
Northward distance from gridline S1: m
Northward distance from gridline S1: m

Fig. 9. Maximum drawdown outside the seaward and

Fig. 7. Range of piezometric level variation for seaward landward diaphragm walls, caused by dewatering
piezometers, before and after completion of diaphragm walls

In reviewing the results shown in Fig. 9 it is worth noting that

contact grouting was only carried out below the landward
SAT Station NAT
diaphragm walls for the station and NAT, and rock grouting
2.2
Before DWall After DWall
was only carried out below the landward station diaphragm
2.0
Range of daily piezometric variation: m

walls. Based on Fig. 9 the following conclusions can be drawn.

1.8
1.6 (a) The seaward piezometers adjacent to the SAT recorded
1.4 drawdown between
4 m and
8 m, the station between
1.2 0·0 m and
4·5 m and the NAT between
0·3 m and
1.0
7·0 m.
0.8 (b) The landward piezometers adjacent to the SAT recorded
0.6 drawdown between
2·5 m and
10 m, the station
0.4
between
2·5 m and
5·0 m and the NAT between
4·0 m
and
10·0 m.
0.2
(c) The drawdown on the seaward side was slightly less than
0.0
that on the landward side. This was due to seawater
0

1000
100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

recharge experienced by the seaward piezometers.

Northward distance from gridline S1: m
(d ) The average drawdown at rockhead level was less at the
station than at the NAT and SAT. This gives an indication
Fig. 8. Range of piezometric level variation for landward of the benefit of the rock grouting carried out beneath the
piezometers, before and after completion of diaphragm walls
landward station walls. Artificial recharge of groundwater
was adopted at the north end of the station box, and this
2
had an influence on the results in this area. Norcliffe et al.
discussed the use of recharge wells in mitigating ground
was significantly reduced but not entirely eliminated. The walls settlement on this project.
largely isolated the landward piezometers from the tidal effect (e) Although there was no rock grouting on the seaward side
of seawater. of the station, the drawdown was relatively minor owing to
the rapid recharge of groundwater from the sea, indicating
3.2. Piezometric level at rockhead due to dewatering a relatively high permeability path in this area of the site.
The piezometric level at rockhead responded to the dewatering ( f ) The contact grouting beneath the NAT appears to have had
carried out for excavation of the station and tunnels. The only a relatively small effect on the magnitude of the
magnitude of the reduction was a function of various factors, drawdown when compared with the results for the SAT.
including the level of drawdown and pumping rate from within
the excavation, the localised ground conditions, and the extent Figure 10 plots the maximum piezometric drawdown against
and effectiveness of the contact and rock grouting below the the level of the diaphragm wall toe. The diaphragm walls were
toe of the diaphragm wall. The maximum drawdown recorded founded on bedrock. The figure excludes the data points from
at all the rockhead piezometers adjacent to both the seaward the landward station area that was subject to rock grouting
and landward diaphragm walls is summarised in Fig. 9. The ‘
’ beneath the diaphragm walls. It appears that there is a
sign on the vertical axis of the figure represents drawdown correlation between the drawdown and the depth of the
below the mean sea water level. diaphragm wall, which is controlled by rockhead level. A

Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al. 151

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 Level of diaphragm wall toe: mPD Northward distance from gridline S1: m
0 ⫺5 ⫺10 ⫺15 ⫺20 ⫺25 ⫺30 ⫺35 ⫺40 ⫺45

1000
100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900
0

0
Seaward ⫺0
⫺1
Landward SAT Station NAT
⫺2 ⫺1
Best fit
⫺3 ⫺2 TWB
Max. drawdown: m

⫺4

Drawdown: m
⫺3
⫺5 SAT and
⫺4 station
⫺6

⫺7 ⫺5

⫺8 ⫺6
⫺9
⫺7
⫺10
VPZ 113 VPZ 436 VPZ 450 PZ 409 PZ 404 PZ 407
⫺11

Fig. 11. Comparison of maximum drawdown between VPZs

Fig. 10. Maximum drawdown as a function of diaphragm wall close to diaphragm walls of SAT and station and those close
depth, which is related to rockhead level to TWB

shallower drawdown was measured at a deeper diaphragm wall
and vice versa. The length of seepage path behind the
diaphragm wall might control the observed relationship. A
deeper diaphragm wall represents a longer seepage path, and
the drawdown caused by dewatering is expected to be less. The
scatter in the data points could be caused by different distances
between the piezometers and the diaphragm walls, and by
ground condition variations.
Based on the data for the landward piezometers in Fig. 9 the
average reduction of the piezometric level at rockhead was
approximately
5·5 m,
3·5 m and
7·5 m below the mean
sea level for the SAT, station and NAT respectively. All these
piezometers were located within approximately 5 m of the back
face of the diaphragm walls in the zone where any flow
beneath the wall is concentrated, and therefore a relatively
large drawdown can be expected. It is therefore of interest to
consider the drawdown at rockhead level at greater distances
from the diaphragm wall.
Figure 11 compares the drawdown measured at the various
standpipe piezometers (PZs, shown as open symbols) located at
rockhead close to the TWB with the adjacent VPZs (shown as
solid symbols) located close to the landward diaphragm wall
for the SAT and station. The horizontal axis of the figure
shows the locations of the instruments along the SAT and the
station. Fig. 3 shows the exact location of the instruments. The
drawdown at rockhead level adjacent to the landward
diaphragm wall was between
3·5 m and
6·0 m, and the
equivalent drawdown close to the TWB was between
2·0 m
and
3·0 m. On average, the drawdown adjacent to the TWB
was about 45% of the drawdown adjacent to the wall.
However, the drawdown did not cause significant
displacements to the TWB.
4. SETTLEMENT BEHAVIOUR AT STATION
GRIDLINE GL 50
Cross-section gridline 50 (see Fig. 3) has been selected to
illustrate construction events affecting various instruments on
the selected section. The period for diaphragm wall pre-
trenching or installation is illustrated as two periods: for
instruments close to the wall the period for construction of the
three panels closest to the instrument, and for instruments at
the furthest distance from the wall the period for construction
of the panels within a 458 spread from the instrument location.
Figure 12 summarises the following instrumentation
monitoring data obtained at instruments located on the
seaward side of the station at gridline 50
(a) the settlement recorded at deformation monitoring points
DMPs 594, 595, 596, 597 and 598, which are located at
distances of 44 m, 34 m, 24 m, 14 m and 4 m respectively
from the seaward face of the diaphragm wall
(b) the movement of the top of inclinometer INC 452 and at a
depth of approximately 11 m (i.e.
6 mPD), the level at
which the maximum wall movement was recorded (see
Fig. 3)
(c) the piezometric level recorded at VPZ 449, which was
located at rockhead level approximately 5 m behind the
diaphragm wall (see Fig. 3).
The main stages of the construction sequence are also shown in
Fig. 12 for this area of the site. Diaphragm walling was
undertaken between the middle of February and the middle of
June 2000. The first pumping test was carried out between 14
and 21 July 2000, and the second test between 7 and 14
September 2000. Excavation and dewatering for the station
was carried out between early August and early December
2000. The following points can be observed from the
instrumentation data presented.
(a) A settlement of approximately 5 mm was recorded at all
the settlement points (DMPs) during the first week of
monitoring. This settlement was also observed at the
settlement points on the landward side of the station, and
may indicate movement of the settlement benchmark
rather than settlement of all monitoring points.

152 Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al.

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 May 00

May 01
Aug 00

Sep 00

Nov 00

Dec 00

Aug 01
Sep 01

Nov 01
Feb 00

Mar 00

Feb 01

Mar 01
Jan 00

Jun 00

Jan 01

Jun 01
Apr 00

Oct 00

Apr 01

Oct 01
Jul 00

Jul 01
3p

Excavation level: mPD

prop
0

45° spread
⫺5

2nd pump
1st pump
⫺10

⫺15
EXC
⫺0

⫺20
Vertical deformation: mm

⫺40

⫺60 3p DMP 594

DMP 595
⫺80
DMP 596
45° spread P
DMP 597
⫺100
P DMP 598

⫺120
P

50 Top
INC 452
11 m deep
40
Displacement: mm

30

EXC
20
P

10

0
3p
P P
2.5
45° spread VPZ 449
2.0
Piezometric level: mPD

1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
⫺0.5
⫺1.0
⫺1.5
Jan 00

Feb 00

Mar 00

Apr 00

May 00

Jun 00

Jul 00

Aug 00

Sep 00

Oct 00

Nov 00

Dec 00

Jan 01

Feb 01

Mar 01

Apr 01

May 01

Jun 01

Jul 01

Aug 01

Sep 01

Oct 01

Nov 01

Fig. 12. Monitoring data for various instruments on seaward side of station GL 50: 3p, 3 panels;
P, pumping test; EXC, excavation and dewatering

(b) Significant settlements were observed during installation of resulted in a small inward movement of the top of the
the diaphragm wall, varying from approximately 50 mm diaphragm wall (INC 452) by approximately 5 mm.
within approximately 5 m of the wall to approximately (d ) The second pumping test between 7 and 14 September
15 mm at a distance of approximately 35 m behind the 2000 resulted in a large and almost immediate movement
wall. The settlement was cumulative owing to construction of the diaphragm wall, varying from approximately 35 mm
of adjacent panels rather than a sudden drop due to the at the top of the wall to 10 mm at 11 m deep. This
construction of a single panel. pumping test was responsible for the maximum step in the
(c) The first pumping test between 14 July and 21 July 2000 wall displacement. The DMPs correspondingly showed

Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al. 153

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 some increased settlements during and after the pumping
tests.
(e) It is reasonable to assume that settlement due to
dewatering was minimal in this area as a result of the
recharge by seawater. The ground settlement due to
excavation of the station therefore varied from
approximately 40 mm close to the back of the wall to
approximately 12 mm at a distance of approximately 24 m
behind the wall. This settlement was associated with an
inward movement of the diaphragm wall of approximately
40 mm.
( f ) Very little movement of the diaphragm wall was observed
at a depth of 11 m after the beginning of April 2001,
following completion of the track-level slab. In addition,
subsequent ground settlement of the new reclamation
outside the diaphragm wall was reduced to a very slow rate
of approximately 0·5–1·0 mm/month. This continuing
settlement was probably due to ongoing creep within the
reclamation fill.
(g) The piezometric level (VPZ 449) at rockhead remained tidal
throughout the construction sequence, as it was constantly
recharged by seawater. A small piezometric level reduction
of less than 1 m was observed during August to October
2000, possibly as a result of the pumping tests and
excavation-related dewatering. Following completion of
the station excavation the piezometric level returned to its
original groundwater level.
Figure 13 summarises the following instrumentation
monitoring data obtained at instruments located on the
landward side of the station at gridline 50
(a) the settlement recorded at DMPs 601, 602, 603, 604 and
605, which were located at distances of 4 m, 14 m, 24 m,
31 m and 41 m from the landward face of the diaphragm
wall respectively
(b) the piezometric level recorded at VPZ 450 (see Fig. 3),
which was located at rockhead level approximately 3 m
behind the diaphragm wall (unfortunately the inclinometer
in the diaphragm wall at this location was damaged during
excavation).
The main stages of the construction sequence are also shown in
Fig. 13 for this area of the site. The following points can be
observed in the data.
(a) A settlement of approximately 4 mm was recorded at all
the settlement points during the first week of monitoring.
This settlement was also observed at the settlement points
on the seaward side of the station, and may indicate
movement of the settlement benchmark rather than
settlement of all the monitoring points.
(b) Relatively small settlements were observed during
installation of the diaphragm wall, varying from
approximately 10 mm within approximately 5 m of the
wall to approximately 5 mm at a distance of 40 m behind
the wall. Most of this settlement occurred during
construction of the first panel, but small additional
settlements can be seen during construction of the adjacent
panels.
(c) The piezometric level (VPZ 450) at rockhead drops slowly
during both June and July 2000, presumably in response to
154 Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation
Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
commissioning of the dewatering wells in this station area.
A pumping test carried out in the middle of July 2000
caused some piezometric drawdown. A more significant
drawdown was observed at the beginning of September
2000, as a result of the second pumping test.
(d ) The piezometric level is maintained at a low level during
excavation to the final level and then rises slightly during
December 2000, when the pumps are required only to
maintain rather than lower the water level in the station
box.
(e) The ground outside the excavation commenced to settle as
a result of both dewatering and excavation within the
station. In particular, the reduction of the water level
during and after the second pumping test caused an
immediate settlement of approximately 5 mm close to the
wall, reducing to about 2 mm adjacent to the TWB.
(f) The magnitude of settlement appears to be controlled by
both the excavation depth and the drawdown. The
maximum settlement of 30 mm adjacent to the wall (DMP
601) and 15 mm adjacent to the TWB (DMP 605) coincides
with the maximum depth of excavation.
(g) The ground surface shows elastic rebound by
approximately 2 mm in response to the reduced level of
drawdown between November 2000 and January 2001.
(h) Minor additional settlement (, 5 mm) is observed close to
the wall between February and May 2001, possibly as a
result of consolidation. Ground settlement was stable after
May 2001.
(i) By the middle of October 2001 the piezometric level at
rockhead had increased and was only approximately 2 m
below the mean sea level.
5. SUBSURFACE SETTLEMENT
Two magnetic probe extensometers have been selected to
investigate the subsurface settlement behaviour for the new
and old reclamation on the landward side of the site. They are
MPX 107, which was located within the new reclamation of the
SAT, and MPX 415, which was located within the old
reclamation of the station. The locations of both the MPXs are
shown in Fig. 3.
Figure 14 shows the settlement of the magnets of MPX 107
during diaphragm wall construction, and SAT excavation and
strutting. Magnet M1 is located nearest to the ground surface
and magnet M10 is located in rock. Fig. 15 shows the ground
conditions of the borehole of MPX 107, SPT N profile, levels of
the magnets within the borehole, and the normalised settlement
within an individual soil layer, which is measured by two
consecutive magnets. The normalised settlement is the ratio of
settlement or compression within a soil layer (difference in
settlement between two consecutive magnets) over the
thickness of the layer. The units are millimetres per metre
(mm/m), and the ‘
’ sign represents compression of the soil
layers. The normalised settlement is divided into the settlement
measured during diaphragm walling and pre-trenching
(denoted by ‘DWall’) and during tunnel excavation and
strutting (denoted by ‘EXC’) (see Fig. 14). The total settlement,
which is summation of the settlement measured during both
the DWall and EXC, is denoted by ‘Total’.
It can be seen from Fig. 15 that a significant thickness of
cobbles and boulders from the former seawall was encountered
Pickles et al.
 May 00

May 01
Aug 00
Sep 00

Nov 00
Dec 00

Aug 01
Sep 01

Nov 01
Feb 00
Mar 00

Feb 01
Mar 01
Jan 00

Jun 00

Jan 01

Jun 01
Apr 00

Oct 00

Apr 01

Oct 01
Jul 00

Jul 01
3p
prop
⫺0

Excavation level: mPD

45° spread

⫺5

1st pump

2nd pump
⫺10

⫺15
3p
EXC
⫺0
45° spread P P
⫺5

⫺10
Vertical deformation: mm

⫺15
DMP
⫺20
601
⫺25 602

⫺30 603

604
⫺35
605
⫺40
3p

3 45° spread EXC

P VPZ 450
2
Piezometric level: mPD

1
P
0

⫺1

⫺2

⫺3

⫺4

⫺5
Jan 01
Feb 01
Mar 01
Apr 01
May 01
Jun 01
Jul 01
Aug 01
Sep 01
Oct 01
Nov 01
Feb 00
Mar 00
Jan 00

Apr 00
May 00
Jun 00
Jul 00
Aug 00
Sep 00
Oct 00
Nov 00
Dec 00

Fig. 13. Monitoring data for various instruments on landward side of station GL50: 3p, 3 panels;
P, pumping test; EXC, excavation and dewatering

between levels
3·5 mPD and
11·5 mPD. Pre-trenching was the piezometric drawdown in the CDG layer during dewatering
carried out between these levels. The column ‘DWall’ in Fig. 15 for the tunnel excavation. The piezometric drawdown could
shows that after diaphragm walling and pre-trenching the layer have caused some consolidation settlement in the CDG layer.
of cobbles and boulders showed the largest normalised
settlement, of between 3·6 mm/m and 4·4 mm/m. The column Figure 16 shows data for subsurface settlement at MPX 415
‘EXC’ shows that, in general, the normalised settlement located within the old reclamation of the station. The MPX
increases with depth for the settlement induced by the station data were missing from early May to early July 2000, as access
excavation and strutting. The column ‘Total’ shows that the to the instrument was obstructed. The time periods for
majority of the total settlement occurred in the cobble and diaphragm walling (DWall) and station excavation and
boulder layer, followed by the underlying CDG and then the fill strutting (EXC) are also shown in the figure. No former seawall
layer above, which is predominantly vibro-compacted medium was encountered at the MPX location, although there was a
dense sand. The reasons why the CDG layer shows a larger thin layer of fill (cobbles) between levels
4·0 mPD and
magnitude of settlement than the fill (medium dense sand)
6·0 mPD (see Fig. 17). The column ‘DWall’ in Fig. 17 shows
layer could be the structure of the extremely weak CDG silt and that, after diaphragm walling, the alluvium layer showed the

Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al. 155

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 0

⫺10

⫺20

⫺30
Vertical deformation: mm

⫺40

⫺50

⫺60
Diaphragm
walling and
⫺70 pre-trenching
(DWall)
Tunnel
⫺80 excavation and
strutting (EXC)

⫺90
Jan 00

Feb 00

Mar 00

Apr 00

May 00

Jun 00

Jul 00

Aug 00

Sep 00

Oct 00

Nov 00

Dec 00

Jan 01

Feb 01

Mar 01

Apr 01

May 01

Jun 01

Jul 01

Aug 01

Sep 01
M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7

M8 M9 M10

Fig. 14. Subsurface settlement data for MPX 107 located in new reclamation

largest normalised settlement ratio. The alluvium layer has the

SPT N
lowest SPT N values. The column ‘EXC’ shows a significant
0 10 20 30 increase in the normalised settlement in the fill (cobbles) layer
4 Fill (cobbles) for the settlement caused by the station excavation and
M1 DWall EXC Total strutting (from
0·2 mm/m to
1·7 mm/m). The settlement
2
⫺0.2 ⫺0.2 ⫺0.4 ratios in the alluvium and CDG layers were also increased. The
Fill (medium M2
0 column ‘Total’ shows that the profile of the total settlement
dense sand)
⫺1.0 ⫺0.4 ⫺1.4
⫺2 M3 ratios seems to follow the SPT N profile. The largest settlement
occurred in the alluvium layer, which has the lowest SPT N
⫺4 ⫺2.2 ⫺0.2 ⫺2.4
M4 values, followed by the extremely weak CDG silt and fill (firm
Level: mPD

⫺6 ⫺3.6 ⫺1.2 ⫺4.8 clay and sand).

Fill (cobbles and M5
⫺8 boulders)
⫺4.0 ⫺1.2 ⫺5.2 When comparing Figs 14 and 15 with Figs 16 and 17 it is
M6
⫺10 apparent that the settlement of the new reclamation was about
⫺4.4 ⫺1.4 ⫺5.8
⫺12 M7 twice that of the old reclamation. This is due mainly to the
⫺2.4 ⫺1.6 ⫺4.0
pre-trenching that was carried out in the former seawall layer
⫺14 M8
CDG (extremely (cobbles and boulders in MPX 107) in the SAT. Thorley and
3 4
⫺16 weak silt)
⫺2.6 ⫺1.6 ⫺4.2 Forth and Cowland and Thorley have also highlighted the
M9
⫺18
adverse effect of pre-trenching for deep excavation in Hong
⫺0.6 ⫺1.4 ⫺2.0 Kong. The settlement in the CDG layer was less in the old
Rock M10
⫺20
reclamation within the station area than in the SAT area, as
Magnet Normalised shown by the normalised settlement of
1·7 mm/m for MPX
level settlement: 415 as opposed to
4·0 mm/m for MPX 107. This demonstrates
mm/m
the effectiveness of rock grouting carried out on the landward
side of the station. The piezometric drawdown in the CDG layer
Fig. 15. Ground profile and ratios of settlement over layer
due to dewatering was reduced by the rock grouting, resulting
thickness at different depths of MPX 107: CDG, completely
decomposed granodiorite; M1, magnet 1 in a correspondingly reduced consolidation settlement at
MPX 415.

156 Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al.

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 0

⫺5

⫺10

Vertical deformation: mm ⫺15

Diaphragm walling
(DWall)
⫺20

⫺25

⫺30
Station
excavation and
⫺35 strutting
(EXC)

⫺40
Mar 00

Mar 01
Jan 00

Feb 00

Apr 00

May 00

Jun 00

Jul 00

Aug 00

Sep 00

Oct 00

Nov 00

Dec 00

Jan 01

Feb 01

Apr 01

May 01

Jun 01

Jul 01

Aug 01

Sep 01
M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7

Fig. 16. Subsurface settlement data for MPX 415 located in the old reclamation

6. CONCLUSIONS
SPT N The completion of the diaphragm walls effectively cut off the
0 5 10 15 20 hydraulic connection between the landward piezometers and
4
Wash boring the sea, as evidenced by the daily variation in piezometric level
M1 DWall EXC Total
2 being significantly reduced. As expected, the seaward
Fill (firm
clay) ⫺0.2 ⫺0.2 ⫺0.4 piezometers showed negligible changes in daily piezometric
0 M2 level variation after completion of the diaphragm walls because
Fill (firm
⫺2 silt) seawater recharge was unaffected.
⫺0.7 ⫺0.8 ⫺1.5
Fill (sand) M3
⫺4
Dewatering for excavation of the station and tunnels resulted
Fill (cobbles) ⫺0.2 ⫺1.7 ⫺1.9
Level: mPD

⫺6 in a significant reduction in piezometric level recorded at

M4
All. (silt) rockhead level close to the outer face of the diaphragm walls.
⫺8 ⫺0.8 ⫺1.5 ⫺2.3
All. (clay)
The comparatively smaller drawdown at the station is thought
M5
⫺10 to be due to the additional rock grouting that was carried out
CDG ⫺0.5 ⫺1.2 ⫺1.7 to a depth of approximately 5 m below the landward station
⫺12 M6
(extremely diaphragm walls. Contact grouting to a depth of approximately
weak silt) 1 m below the base of the landward NAT diaphragm walls was
⫺14 ⫺0.3 ⫺0.5 ⫺0.8
M7 found to be ineffective at cutting off water seepage below the
⫺16 Rock walls. The magnitude of drawdown outside the diaphragm
Magnet
⫺18 level
Normalised walls was found to be a function of diaphragm wall depth,
settlement: which was related to rockhead level. The piezometers close to
mm/m
the TWB showed an average of 45% of the drawdown
experienced by the piezometers within 5 m of the landward
Fig. 17. Ground profile and ratios of settlement over layer
diaphragm walls.
thickness at different depths of MPX 415: All., alluvium; CDG,
completely decomposed granodiorite; M1, magnet 1
A significant amount of settlement was observed during

Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al. 157

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.
 pre-trenching and diaphragm walling. After pumping tests
there was a sharp increase in the ground settlement and
displacement of the diaphragm wall. It is believed that the
settlement induced during the deep excavation and dewatering
was predominantly caused by the wall deflection. During
excavation dewatering, the groundwater drawdown on the
seaward side was less than that on the landward side, as the
seawater recharged the seaward area.
The MPX data show that the pre-trenching in the cobbles
and boulders layer resulted in large settlements. The
reduced settlement in the CDG layer on the landward side
of the station (as compared with settlement on the
landward side of the SAT) is attributed to the reduced
piezometric drawdown, which in turn induced less
consolidation settlement.
7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors express their gratitude to KCRC for their kind
permission to publish this paper. Contributions from the site
staff, and in particular Ir Jonathan Gammon, are highly
appreciated.
REFERENCES
1. GAMMON J., HILL S., MALKA D. and CARAYOL S. Real time
monitoring of highway viaduct close to deep excavation.
Geotechnical Deformations and Movements: Proceedings of
the 21st Annual Seminar of Geotechnical Division Hong
Kong Institution of Engineers, Hong Kong, 2001, 217–225.
2. NORCLIFFE B. A. W., PICKLES A. R. and LEE S. W. The use of
recharge wells to mitigate ground settlement on KCRC
contract CC300 Tsuen Wan Station and approach tunnels.
Geotechnical Aspects of Mass Transportation Systems:
Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Seminar of Geotechnical
Division Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Hong Kong,
2002, 123–130.
3. THORLEY C. B. B. and FORTH R. A. Settlement due to
diaphragm wall construction in reclaimed land in Hong
Kong. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental
Engineering, ASCE, 2002, 128, No. 6, 473–478.
4. COWLAND J. W. and THORLEY C. B. B. Ground and building
settlement associated with adjacent slurry trench
excavation. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference
on Ground Movements and Structures (GEDDES J. D. (ed.)).
Pentech Press, London, 1985, pp. 723–738.

Please email, fax or post your discussion contributions to the secretary by 1 January 2004: email: mary.henderson@ice.org.uk;
fax: þ44 (0)20 7799 1325; or post to Mary Henderson, Journals Department, Institution of Civil Engineers, 1–7 Great George Street,
London SW1P 3AA.

158 Geotechnical Engineering 156 Issue GE3 Groundwater and ground movement in deep excavation Pickles et al.

Downloaded by [ York University] on [15/09/16]. Copyright © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved.