Numerical Parametric Analysis of Stability of Shallow to Medium-Depth Urban Excavations Adjacent to Existing Buildings Under Combined Effects of Traffic Surcharge and Groundwater Fluctuations Using SLOPE/W

The stability of urban excavations adjacent to existing buildings is a critical concern in densely populated metropolises, where geotechnical risks must be minimized to ensure the safety of neighboring structures. This study numerically investigates the stability of excavations with shallow to medium depths (۴, ۵, and ۷ meters) under the combined effects of building proximity (۱ and ۴ meters from the excavation edge), groundwater level fluctuations (nearly dry condition and depths of ۱, ۳, and ۵ meters below ground surface), and surface surcharges (building foundation load and traffic load). A total of ۲۴ two-dimensional models were developed using the Morgenstern-Price limit equilibrium method in GeoStudio SLOPE/W. Results indicate that increasing excavation depth and rising groundwater level significantly reduce the factor of safety (FS). Conversely, reducing the building distance from ۴ to ۱ meter substantially enhances FS (up to approximately ۳۴% in critical conditions) due to the counterweight effect of the building load. In the worst-case scenario (۷ m depth, ۴ m distance), FS falls below ۱ (unstable), while at the same depth with ۱ m distance, FS remains above ۱.۱۹۳ in all cases. These findings highlight the importance of controlling groundwater fluctuations, managing traffic surcharges, and leveraging the stabilizing effect of nearby buildings in the design of urban excavations.

کلیدواژه ها:

Slope stability ، urban excavation ، factor of safety ، traffic surcharge ، adjacent building ، GeoStudio SLOPE/W