Optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using VSM method

Constructing vertical shafts in densely populated urban areas with complex geological conditions poses significant challenges, necessitating innovative construction techniques and design optimization. This study investigates the deformation behavior of a 42.5 m deep shaft excavated using the vertica...

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Main Authors: Dhyaa A.H. Abualghethe, Baogang Mu, Guoliang Dai, Sijin Liu, Zhongwei Li, Songyu Liu, Lei Han
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. 2025-06-01
Series:Underground Space
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2467967425000194
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author Dhyaa A.H. Abualghethe
Baogang Mu
Guoliang Dai
Sijin Liu
Zhongwei Li
Songyu Liu
Lei Han
author_facet Dhyaa A.H. Abualghethe
Baogang Mu
Guoliang Dai
Sijin Liu
Zhongwei Li
Songyu Liu
Lei Han
author_sort Dhyaa A.H. Abualghethe
collection DOAJ
description Constructing vertical shafts in densely populated urban areas with complex geological conditions poses significant challenges, necessitating innovative construction techniques and design optimization. This study investigates the deformation behavior of a 42.5 m deep shaft excavated using the vertical shaft sinking machine (VSM) method in Shanghai’s soft soil conditions comprising deep cohesive soil layers. Comprehensive numerical analysis simulated the VSM construction process, analysing deformations within the shaft structure, surrounding soil, and adjacent buildings while evaluating the influence of varying reinforced ring base depths. Results reveal a significant 30% reduction in the maximum lateral shaft deformation, from 28 to 20 mm, by increasing the reinforced ring base depth to an optimal 16 m, enhancing lateral stability. Vertical deformations exhibited complex settlement and uplift mechanisms in segmental rings and piles, influenced by factors like excavation stages, pile installation, water pressures, and adjacent loads. The optimal 16 m depth effectively mitigated uplift, and optimized load distribution, limiting the maximum settlement to 12 mm while minimizing dewatering-induced uplift effects. Analysis indicated reduced lateral movements and settlements in surrounding buildings with increasing distance from excavation, highlighting VSM’s potential for minimizing impacts on neighboring structures. This study emphasizes VSM’s suitability for shaft projects in geologically complex areas, providing insights for design, mitigating environmental impacts, and enhancing deep excavation safety and efficiency in soft soils. The findings contribute to optimizing vertical shaft construction, ensuring successful underground infrastructure execution in challenging conditions. Identifying the optimal reinforced ring base depth promotes sustainable urban development by minimizing disturbances. This research advances innovative methods and strategies for complex underground projects.
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spelling doaj-art-5d99981da9924aacbe0ff85e753c82e82025-08-20T03:19:57ZengKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.Underground Space2467-96742025-06-012228030210.1016/j.undsp.2024.12.005Optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using VSM methodDhyaa A.H. Abualghethe0Baogang Mu1Guoliang Dai2Sijin Liu3Zhongwei Li4Songyu Liu5Lei Han6School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; State Key Laboratory of Safety, Durability and Healthy Operation of Long Span Bridges-Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; State Key Laboratory of Safety, Durability and Healthy Operation of Long Span Bridges-Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; Corresponding author at: School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China.School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; State Key Laboratory of Safety, Durability and Healthy Operation of Long Span Bridges-Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, ChinaChina Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., Jinan 250014, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China; State Key Laboratory of Safety, Durability and Healthy Operation of Long Span Bridges-Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, ChinaChina Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., Jinan 250014, ChinaChina Railway 14th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., Jinan 250014, ChinaConstructing vertical shafts in densely populated urban areas with complex geological conditions poses significant challenges, necessitating innovative construction techniques and design optimization. This study investigates the deformation behavior of a 42.5 m deep shaft excavated using the vertical shaft sinking machine (VSM) method in Shanghai’s soft soil conditions comprising deep cohesive soil layers. Comprehensive numerical analysis simulated the VSM construction process, analysing deformations within the shaft structure, surrounding soil, and adjacent buildings while evaluating the influence of varying reinforced ring base depths. Results reveal a significant 30% reduction in the maximum lateral shaft deformation, from 28 to 20 mm, by increasing the reinforced ring base depth to an optimal 16 m, enhancing lateral stability. Vertical deformations exhibited complex settlement and uplift mechanisms in segmental rings and piles, influenced by factors like excavation stages, pile installation, water pressures, and adjacent loads. The optimal 16 m depth effectively mitigated uplift, and optimized load distribution, limiting the maximum settlement to 12 mm while minimizing dewatering-induced uplift effects. Analysis indicated reduced lateral movements and settlements in surrounding buildings with increasing distance from excavation, highlighting VSM’s potential for minimizing impacts on neighboring structures. This study emphasizes VSM’s suitability for shaft projects in geologically complex areas, providing insights for design, mitigating environmental impacts, and enhancing deep excavation safety and efficiency in soft soils. The findings contribute to optimizing vertical shaft construction, ensuring successful underground infrastructure execution in challenging conditions. Identifying the optimal reinforced ring base depth promotes sustainable urban development by minimizing disturbances. This research advances innovative methods and strategies for complex underground projects.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2467967425000194VSM methodVertical shaftReinforced ring baseSoft soilDeformationsNumerical analysis
spellingShingle Dhyaa A.H. Abualghethe
Baogang Mu
Guoliang Dai
Sijin Liu
Zhongwei Li
Songyu Liu
Lei Han
Optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using VSM method
Underground Space
VSM method
Vertical shaft
Reinforced ring base
Soft soil
Deformations
Numerical analysis
title Optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using VSM method
title_full Optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using VSM method
title_fullStr Optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using VSM method
title_full_unstemmed Optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using VSM method
title_short Optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using VSM method
title_sort optimization of reinforced ring base depth for vertical shaft sinking in soft soil using vsm method
topic VSM method
Vertical shaft
Reinforced ring base
Soft soil
Deformations
Numerical analysis
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2467967425000194
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