THE GROUND MOVEMENTS RELATED TO BRACED EXCAVATION AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON ADJACENT BUILDINGS

This report summarizes the settlement and lateral displacement measurements associated with urban excavation projects in the dense sands and interbedded stiff clay of Washington, D.C. and the soft clay of Chicago. The ground movements caused by excavation in each area are discussed in light of the soil profile and construction techniques. The relationship between soil displacement and the damage caused to adjacent buildings is examined. Criteria for the onset of architectural damage are recommended for brick-bearing wall and frame structures subject to excavation movements. Brick-bearing wall structures are described, with special emphasis on the construction details related to building stability. Various modes of instability caused by differential ground movements are examined for brick-bearing wall structures. Case histories of building damage caused by adjacent excavation are presented.