The Performance of a Circular Excavation Supported by a Prefabricated Recyclable Structure in a Full-Scale Test

Excavations for underground structures, such as working shafts, underground grain silos, and parking garages, are characterized by uniformity, consistent dimensions, large quantities, and strict timelines. Prefabricated recyclable supporting structures (PRSS) are gaining attention over traditional retaining structures due to their standardized design, efficient construction, and reusability, which suit such excavations better. To validate their performance, full-scale tests are conducted to analyze the deformation and stress characteristics of PRSS. The results show that the average maximum lateral displacement of supporting pile is 0.07% of the excavation depth (He), roughly half that of steel plate. Differences in ground surface settlement behind steel plates and the supporting piles are not as significant as those in their lateral displacements. While the displacement of the supporting piles is insufficient to induce soil movement into the active limit state on the non-excavation side, the circular excavation’s arching effect reduces the earth pressure on this side of the supporting piles below the active earth pressure limit. Furthermore, the earth pressure acting on the steel plates is lower than that acting on the supporting piles, suggesting the presence of a soil arching effect between two adjacent piles. These findings offer valuable insights for guiding the construction of PRSS.