The Prediction of the Interaction between an Excavator for the Diaphragm Wall Method and the Surrounding Ground

The aim of this paper is to propose a reliable mechanical model which can explain the interaction between an excavator for the diaphragm wall method and the surrounding ground. The non-linear interaction between the control plate of the excavator and the ground was formulated by an exponential type function. The sub grade reaction corresponding to the action of the control plate was expressed by an equation proportional to the lateral displacement at the depth and the coefficient of the subgrade reaction. The estimated behaviors of the excavator showed good accordance with the experimental ones. An intelligent control method considering ground properties was finally proposed based on the mechanical model.