Recent research has unveiled significant advancements in the design and efficiency of “pile-wall” retaining structures, a critical component in underground construction, particularly within energy projects. Conducted by Jiabin Xu from the Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute Corp. Ltd., this study leverages numerical simulations to enhance our understanding of how various factors influence the structural integrity of these systems.
The “pile-wall” structure, which integrates conventional temporary retaining piles into the underground framework, has been widely utilized, yet it has lacked comprehensive optimization studies until now. Xu’s research, carried out during the excavation of the Wuhan Optics Valley Center City Distributed Energy Project, utilized the sophisticated Plaxis 3D finite element simulation software to analyze the stresses and deformations associated with different design parameters.
“The results demonstrate that the number of connection nodes, the thickness ratio, and the stiffness ratio of the pile-wall structure significantly affect its performance,” Xu noted. The findings revealed that an optimal configuration includes four connection nodes, a thickness ratio of 1:0.3, and a stiffness ratio of 1:1. This combination not only enhances structural stability but also offers a pathway to energy-efficient construction practices.
The implications of this research extend beyond mere structural engineering. By optimizing these parameters, construction teams can reduce material consumption and costs, aligning with the industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability. “Our goal is to facilitate energy-saving and consumption-reducing construction through informed design choices,” Xu emphasized, highlighting the commercial benefits for stakeholders in the energy sector.
As energy projects become increasingly complex and environmentally conscious, the insights from this study could serve as a pivotal reference for future excavations and constructions. The ability to minimize resource use while maintaining structural integrity is essential in an era where energy efficiency is paramount.
This groundbreaking research has been published in the journal ‘Advances in Civil Engineering,’ showcasing its relevance to ongoing discussions about sustainable practices in construction. For more information about the Shandong Electric Power Engineering Consulting Institute Corp. Ltd., visit lead_author_affiliation.
