This paper discusses the stability and performance of embedded retaining structures supported by leaving a temporary earth berm on the passive side of the wall in a thick clay deposit characterized by weak soil properties. The objective of this paper is to verify the suitability of using three dimensional finite element software to simulate a bermed excavation. A three-dimensional finite element analysis using PLAXIS 3D software was used to simulate a case history of a monitored retaining wall with a berm in its front side. Analysis and justification of the different parameters used to model the soil and wall is described in this paper. Two different approaches of analysis were applied and compared to account for the stress dependency of soil strength and stiffness. The applicability of the results and adequacy of software were verified by comparing the computed deflections with the monitoring results and a good agreement was realized. Furthermore, the anisotropy of the diaphragm walls was considered to assess its implication on the wall performance during berm removal, as it's deemed to be the most critical stage during construction.
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