Effect of D-Wall Penetration Depth on Hydraulic Stability in Deep Excavation for the Jakarta MRT Project under Different Excavation Scenarios

Yuamar Imarrazan  Basarah; Mirna Dwi Lestari Salamah; Masyhur  Irsyam

doi:10.5614/jts.2026.33.1.2

Authors

Yuamar Imarrazan Basarah Department of Civil Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung
Mirna Dwi Lestari Salamah Department of Civil Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung
Masyhur Irsyam Department of Civil Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5614/jts.2026.33.1.2

Keywords:

Deep excavation, diaphragm wall, land subsidence, wall deflection, stability, uplift

Abstract

Abstract

Rapid urban growth has increased the need for underground space, often involving deep excavations in dense urban areas. Hydraulic stability becomes a key concern due to soft ground, high groundwater pressure, and nearby structures, factors that, if neglected, can cause excessive ground movement or failure. This paper examines how diaphragm wall (D-Wall) penetration depth affects three main hydraulic failure modes: basal heave, piping, and uplift. The study is based on a 22.4 m deep MRT station excavation in North-Central Jakarta area, surrounded by adjacent existing buildings. Finite element analyses were performed with CPTu-based soil parameters to evaluate safety factors under various embedment depths, wall stiffnesses, and excavation scenarios, including construction duration. The results show that the hydraulic stability for all failure modes increased with penetration depth ratio (Hp/He). A 1.0 m of wall thickness was found sufficient to ensure stability for a three-level excavation. Both predicted maximum deflection of approximately 44 mm and ground settlement of 40 mm remained within the serviceability limits. An empirical correlation between penetration depth and hydraulic stability is proposed for use in preliminary design. A minimum Hp/He of 1.65 is recommended to achieve overall hydraulic stability of the excavation with a minimum factor of safety of 1.5.

Keywords: Deep excavation, diaphragm wall, land Subsidence, wall deflection, stability, uplift.

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