Test Study on the Stress and Deformation Behaviors of a Shaft Supported by a Prefabricated Prestressed Structure

Abstract

Soil deformation control is the key to shaft support. To better control soil deformation, improve construction efficiency, and reduce pollution, this study proposed a prefabricated prestressed supporting structure. The structure consisted of prefabricated steel structure units and special prestressed components. The structure units were applied to retain the soil. The screws were used for prestressing. Field prototype tests were conducted to assess the support effects and analyze the stress and deformation behaviors of the shaft. The earth pressure, the stress in the structure unit, and the lateral displacement of the soil were monitored. The measured earth pressure varied between the earth pressure at rest and the passive earth pressure. The stress of the supporting structure was far less than the yield strength of steel. Changes in the earth pressure and structural stress can be divided into four stages: rapid attenuation, fluctuation, slow change, and stabilization. Both the earth pressure and the structure stress completed the major attenuation within three days of prestressing. The surrounding soil moved out from the shaft under prestress conditions and exhibited an obvious space-time effect. The study of stress and deformation provides guidance for the construction of newly prefabricated prestressed structures.