Observational Method in Excavation Support

The observational method in excavation support (including retaining structures, nailing, anchoring, top-down, micropiles, etc.) faces several limitations in modeling retaining systems and selecting soil parameters for design.

These limitations mainly arise due to the complexity and variety of retaining structures used in excavation projects. Typically, the condition of the retaining systems and soil is reviewed to ensure safety requirements are met, but the information obtained from observations is rarely used to improve subsequent phases of excavation support.

Back-Analysis of Excavations

Back-analysis, performed after excavation support implementation, is very useful to evaluate the assumptions and parameters considered during design.

Such back-analyses help improve design stages in future excavation support works. This process is part of the observational method in excavation support, first introduced by Peck in 1969.