Numerical analysis of discontinuous berm-supported shallow excavations for building construction

Abstract The use of discontinuous berms remains a common strategy in medium-rise urban excavations when uniform slope is not safe enough and certain conditions are met. However, despite its frequent use, there no broad contrasted reference that allows design verification similar way to how it done the usual homogeneous slopes, either by abacus such as those Taylor or Hoek Bray two-dimensional numerical calculation with bishop’s method, finite elements, differences, among others. difficulty associated stability lies fact basically three-dimensional problem, admitting any simplifications allow be reduced case one methods mentioned above. present research oriented model an excavation berms, considering configuration including main variables height excavation, width between properties terrain, represented Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion. From large number calculations, necessary regressions will obtained pre-design cases arise practice. article presents results details advantages disadvantages methodology.