Study on the Long-term Dewatering Disturbance Pattern of Clayey Silt Composite Layer in Water-Rich Areas

Guoyuan Shi

doi:10.54691/0eyb5368

Study on the Long-term Dewatering Disturbance Pattern of Clayey Silt Composite Layer in Water-Rich Areas

Guoyuan Shi

Frontiers in Science and Engineering, (2026), Vol.6, No.1, pp.188-200

Published: January 24, 2026

DOI: 10.54691/0eyb5368

PDF: Download Full Text PDF

Abstract

The clayey silt composite layer is widely distributed in the Central Plains of China, especially in the eastern new urban area of Zhengzhou. The stratigraphic structure is generally a multi-layer system interbedded with clayey soil, silt, and fine silty sand, predominantly composed of clayey soil. The thickness of a single clayey soil layer can reach up to 68m. This considerable thickness implies that the creep process during foundation pit dewatering will persist continuously. The main structure of a metro station in the Zhengzhou Eastern Area is adjacent to high-speed railway bridge piles. Based on a comprehensive understanding of the engineering geological conditions of the study area and combined with monitoring data, this paper establishes a three-dimensional numerical model using ABAQUS finite element simulation software. The disturbance law of the clayey silt composite layer under long-term dewatering conditions and the impact of long-term dewatering on high-speed railway bridge piles are derived. The results show that long-term foundation pit dewatering forms a dewatering funnel-shaped settlement curve centered on the dewatering wells, which expands over time. The settlement impact is highest near the dewatering wells. Long-term dewatering affects nearby high-speed railway bridge piles, and pier settlement is very sensitive to the water level drawdown. Therefore, it is recommended that the pit water-stop curtain on the side adjacent to the high-speed railway be constructed as a double row of water-stop piles with increased length.

Keywords: Water-rich Composite Stratum, Deep Foundation Pit Excavation, Dewatering, Long-term Dewatering, Adjacent High-speed Railway.

APA Citation: Guoyuan Shi (2026). Study on the Long-term Dewatering Disturbance Pattern of Clayey Silt Composite Layer in Water-Rich Areas. Frontiers in Science and Engineering, 6(1), 188-200. https://doi.org/10.54691/0eyb5368

References

Zhang, J. Y., Lü, D. Y., Liu, C. L., et al. (2023). Characteristics of rock and soil stratification structure in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province and suggestions for underground space development and utilization. Geological Review, 69(01), 305-315. DOI:10.16509/j.georeview.2022.06.071.
Yang, Z. M. (2006). Geotechnical engineering safety issues in the development and utilization of underground space in Zhengzhou City. China Safety Science Journal, (02), 12-16+147. DOI:10.16265/j.cnki.issn1003-3033.2006.02.002.
Liu, J., Chen, J. J., & Wang, J. H. (2010). Fluid-solid coupling analysis of dewatering for the Shanghai World Expo 500 kV underground substation foundation pit. Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University, 44(6), 721-725.
Zeng, C. F., Xue, X. L., Song, W. W., et al. (2020). Model test study on the deformation mechanism of foundation pits induced by dewatering before excavation. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 41(9), 2963-2972.
Jin, X. R., Yu, J. L., Zhu, S. C., et al. (2005). Analysis of settlement characteristics of surrounding soil induced by foundation pit dewatering. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 26(10), 1555-1558.
Yang, Q. Y., & Wang, Z. J. (2024). Experimental study on land subsidence caused by dewatering of confined aquifer in deep foundation pits. Chinese Journal of Underground Space and Engineering, 20(03), 917-928.
Wang, S., Zeng, C. F., Xue, X. L., et al. (2021). Development law of enclosure deformation induced by pumping in foundation pits within complex leaky aquifers. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 43(S2), 125-128.
Zhu, Z. P. (2019). Numerical Calculation and Deformation Research of Foundation Pit Excavation Based on Seepage-Stress Coupling Analysis [Master's thesis]. Hefei University of Technology.
Zhang, J. Y., Liu, J. C., & Tan, Y. (2023). Study on deformation characteristics of deep excavation and dewatering in thick water-rich sandy strata. Tunnel Construction, 43(09), 1511-1522.
Li, S., Zhang, D. L., & Shao, Y. D. (2020). Analysis of displacement field of deep soil outside pit under composite deformation mode of deep foundation pit of Beijing metro station. Journal of Beijing Jiaotong University, 44(4), 13-21.
Liu, X. Y., Song, X. H., Tan, Y., et al. (2020). Field test study on pumping and recharge of deep foundation pit in water-rich sandy stratum of Nantong Metro. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 42(7), 1331-1339.
Liu, J. C., Tan, Y., Song, X. H., et al. (2023). Influence of water seepage in water-rich sandy soil foundation pit on side wall deformation and surrounding environment. Journal of Zhejiang University (Engineering Science), 57(03), 530-541.
Li, Q. H., Zhang, J. T., Zheng, G., et al. (2023). Deformation mechanism and control measures induced by foundation pit dewatering under aquifer leakage conditions. China Civil Engineering Journal, 56(05), 89-101.
Zhu, Y. P., Li, F. Q., Yang, X. H., et al. (2022). Monitoring and numerical simulation analysis of red sandstone foundation pit excavation for Lanzhou Metro. Journal of Lanzhou University of Technology, 48(01), 121-127.
Yang, Y. F. (2021). Support Design of Deep Foundation Pit in Sandy Soil Layer and Deformation Analysis of Surrounding Structures [Master's thesis]. Huazhong University of Science and Technology.