A study on the reliability analysis of a deep excavation supported with anchored pile walls

Abstract This paper presents a study performed to examine the applicability and convenience of the random set theory in combination with the finite element method (RS‐FEM), considering a case of a deep excavation. A case history of a 15 m deep multi‐anchored contiguous pile wall in clay is considered. Existing buildings around the excavation have necessitated a careful evaluation on the deformations and the reliability of the system. However, due to the existence of limited investigations, the soil parameters had to be estimated combining the results of these investigations with previous experience and expertness under similar conditions. Plane strain numerical analyses have been performed in order to predict the wall behavior. The parameters in the random set model have been chosen based on the sensitivity analyses. Most probable boundaries of the wall horizontal deformations have been compared with inclinometer readings. As suggested by previous case histories, wall deformations have been observed to fall within the lower third of the range predicted by RS‐FEM.