What is braced excavation used for?

Excavations are braced to prevent the cave-in of surrounding unstable soil. or A braced excavation is constructed in saturated ground. The excavation is dewatered during construction and is supported by diaphragm walls that are braced at the top by horizontal struts. The purpose of the FLAC analysis is to evaluate the deformation of the ground adjacent to the excavation and the performance of the wall and struts, throughout the construction stages. The analysis starts from the stage after the wall has been constructed, but prior to any excavation. Dewatering, excavation and installation of struts are simulated in separate construction stages. A calculation of the factor of safety of the excavation is made after the final stage. ... more