Comparative <scp>2D</scp> Finite Element Analysis of Soil–Cement Block and Column Reinforcements for Deep Excavation Support

ABSTRACT Soil–cement reinforcement techniques play a crucial role in enhancing the stability of deep excavations by minimizing deformations and improving load distribution. This study presents a comparative numerical investigation of two reinforcement strategies: soil–cement blocks and soil–cement columns using a two‐dimensional finite element method (FEM) in PLAXIS 2D. An equivalence criterion is established to ensure a fair comparison by maintaining consistent reinforcement volume, stiffness, and material properties. The analysis evaluates lateral wall deflections and bending moments to assess the efficiency of each reinforcement type. Results indicate that soil–cement blocks significantly reduce lateral deflections by 60%–64% and bending moments by approximately 22% compared to column reinforcements. Furthermore, design charts are developed to assist geotechnical engineers in optimizing excavation support systems by providing dimensionless parameters for different excavation depths. While the study highlights the advantages of soil–cement blocks in reducing deformations and improving load transfer, limitations of 2D modeling suggest that future work should incorporate three‐dimensional simulations and field validation. The findings contribute to the development of efficient and cost‐effective reinforcement strategies, supporting the advancement of geotechnical engineering practices in deep excavation projects.