Parameters determination methods and project validation of hardening soil model with small strain stiffness based on finite element method

The hardening soil model with small strain stiffness is a valuable tool for predicting the deformation of support structures during the excavation phase of construction projects. The stiffness parameters of the model, which are dependent on technically complex and costly tests or estimated through specific proportionate, may exhibit some discrepancy between the analyzed results and the project monitoring data in certain aspects. In light of the findings from the conducted analyses and studies, the new concepts of reference in-situ overburden pressure and reference in-situ void ratio are proposed with the objective of enabling the determination of the essential parameters required for HSS model through the utilization of the results of the current geotechnical tests, which are of high popularity and economy. Additionally, the article offers recommendations for determining other parameters, providing a summary of a systematic approach to determining the necessary parameters for the hardening soil model with small strain. Ultimately, a comparison and verification of the finite element method results of a deep excavation project with the monitoring data demonstrated that the research outcomes exhibited sufficient numerical analysis accuracy and practical applicability.