Top Down Excavations in DeepEX
Top-down excavation systems can be designed with DeepEX software in the most efficient way. In DeepEX, we can design and optimize top down excavations braced with concrete slabs in 3 simple steps:
1. Create our model in minutes in the software graphical interface, or using the powerfull model wizard (all construction stages).
2. Define the elevations, structural sections and unbraced lengths of the concrete slabs.
3. Run the analysis, review the results in each stage and optimize the model (manually or with the use of the DeepEX autimatic optimization tools).
The following paragraphs present how we can follow these steps within the software and achieve an efficient model optimization in minutes.
Figure: A Top-Down Excavation Model with two Basements Simulated in DeepEX Software
Step 1: Create the Model (All Construction Stages)
In DeepEX we can graphically add construction stages and draw the model on the model area stage by stage, or use the model wizard to create a model with all construction stages in seconds. Either way, we need to create a detailed staging, starting from at rest conditions in an initial stage, and then step by step generate new stages with each excabation and support installation level. DeepEX will analyze and present results for each stage, allowing us to review the full model construction process, identify the most critical stage and optimize our structural sections and support locations in the most efficient way.
Figure: Top-Down Excavation - Construction Stages in DeepEX Software
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Step 2: Define the Support Locations and Section Properties
Defining the Slab Location and Unbraced Length
When we install a slab, we can define the exact location (elevation on the wall), select a structural section and define the slab live load. In addition, we can define a user-defined unbraced length, to take into consideration any possible lateral support to the slab. For base slabs we can select to include the slab self weight to the vertical stress. Finally, we can define the end connection type between the slab and the wall (pinned, fixed).
Defining the Slab Structural Section
In the Edit Support Sections dialog of the software we can define the section dimensions (thickness, width), the concrete and rebar steel materials, as well as the slab reinforcement bars size and spacing. The rebar size can be selected through implemented databases according to several international standards.
Step 3: Review the Results and Optimize the Model
DeepEX can analyze any deep excavation model with several implemented analysis methods (classical Limit Equilibrium, Non-Linear Analysis with elastoplastic springs and Finite Element Analysis). After the analysis is completed, DeepEX software presents all calculation results in tables and in graphs on the model area for each construction stage. We can review all calculated stresses, moment and shear diagrams along with the structural capacities, the support and wall check structural ratios, the wall embedment safety factors and more. This way, we can have a great overview of all structural items designed by the program for each stage, and take important decisions for the efficient model optimization.
We can optimize any model fast either manually by accessing all wall and supports on the model area and edit the structural sections and support locations fast through user friendly dialogs, or use the software automatic optimization tools that can fast check and give us a variety of section solutions for all structural items on the examined model.
Training Video - A Top-Down System (Diaphragm Walls with Slabs) Designed with DeepEX:
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