An elastoplastic constitutive model for assessing ground settlements induced by deep excavations

Abstract Ground movements induced by deep excavations may cause damages on neighboring existing buildings. Finite element simulations generally give acceptable estimates of the horizontal displacements retaining wall, but results are less satisfactory for vertical ground surface behind structure. A possible explanation is that most constitutive models describe volumetric strains in a simplified way. This paper proposes an elastoplastic model aimed at improving prediction walls. The comprises single plastic mechanism with isotropic strain hardening, has specific flow rule allows to generate contractive strains. Identification parameters based triaxial tests explained and illustrated example calibration. numerical analysis well-documented sheet pile wall sand Hochstetten (Germany) presented. given compared measurements those obtained using Hardening Soil Model. potential advantages proposed then discussed.