Deformation Analysis of 50 m-Deep Cylindrical Retaining Shaft in Composite Strata

Peng Tang, Xiaofeng Fan, Wenyong Chai, Yu Liang () and Xiaoming Yan
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Peng Tang: China Railway Design Corporation South China Branch, Shenzhen 518052, China
Xiaofeng Fan: School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
Wenyong Chai: China Railway Design Corporation South China Branch, Shenzhen 518052, China
Yu Liang: School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
Xiaoming Yan: Shenzhen Metro Group Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518000, China

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-18

Abstract: Cylindrical retaining structures are widely adopted in intercity railway tunnel engineering due to their exceptional load-bearing performance, no need for internal support, and efficient utilization of concrete compressive strength. Measured deformation data not only comprehensively reflect the influence of construction and hydrogeological conditions but also directly and clearly indicate the safety and stability status of structure. Therefore, based on two geometrically similar cylindrical shield tunnel shafts in Shenzhen, the surface deformation, structure deformation, and changes in groundwater outside the shafts during excavation were analyzed, and the deformation characteristics under the soil–rock composite stratum were summarized. Results indicate that the uneven distribution of surface surcharge and groundwater level are key factors causing differential deformations. The maximum horizontal deformation of the shafts wall is less than 0.05% of the current excavation depth (H), occurring primarily in two zones: from H − 20 m to H + 20 m and in the shallow 0–10 m range. Vertical deformations at the wall top are mostly within ±0.2% H. Localized groundwater leakage in joints may lead to groundwater redistribution and seepage-induced fine particle migration, exacerbating uneven deformations. Timely grouting when leakage occurs and selecting joints with superior waterproof sealing performance are essential measures to ensure effective sealing. Compared with general polygonal foundation pits, cylindrical retaining structures can achieve low environmental disturbances while possessing high structural stability.

Keywords: cylindrical foundation pit; deep foundation pit; field test; groundwater influence; soil–water flow; uneven deformation; deformation shape (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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