Analysis and Design of Support of Excavation (SOE) Systems
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This ASCE session is designed to introduce participants to the dynamic and rapidly evolving field of underground construction, with a special focus on the analysis and design of Support of Excavation (SOE) systems. The session will provide an overview of commonly used SOE systems and the various methods employed in their analysis, offering valuable insights for both students and professionals interested in geotechnical and structural engineering applications in underground construction.
Supporting excavation (SOE) is a critical engineering discipline at the intersection of geotechnical and structural engineering. This presentation explores the principles, methods, and innovations in designing temporary structures that enable safe excavations while protecting adjacent infrastructure.
SOE systems are temporary engineered structures designed to stabilize deep excavations, typically exceeding 6 feet in depth. These systems allow for vertical or near-vertical cuts, significantly reducing the earthwork volume and minimizing the construction footprint. In urban and metropolitan areas, SOE systems are particularly critical as they protect adjacent buildings, utilities, and infrastructure from potential damage due to ground movement. They enable construction in confined spaces where traditional sloped excavations would be impractical or impossible.
Design Principles and Analysis Methods
| Methods of Analyzing SOE Systems | Common Types of SOE Systems |
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An Example of Designing a SOE System (PLAXIS 2D):
The choice of SOE system is a function of engineering design, site constraints, environmental considerations, and economic factors. A proper geotechnical investigation and site assessment are essential to selecting and designing the most appropriate excavation support method to ensure safety, minimize risks, and optimize construction efficiency.
The design of Support of Excavation (SOE) systems requires a detailed understanding of soil-structure interaction, ground behavior, and construction staging. Numerical modeling tools, such as PLAXIS 2D, offer powerful capabilities for simulating complex geotechnical conditions and evaluating the performance of excavation support systems under realistic loading scenarios.
In the following example, we demonstrate the use of PLAXIS 2D to design and analyze an SOE system for a deep excavation in an urban environment. This example highlights the modeling workflow, key input parameters, boundary conditions, construction stages, and interpretation of results, including deformations, bending moments, and ground surface settlements.
If you don’t have access to a PLAXIS license, you can request a free temporary license from Bentley Systems. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to apply. Depending on whether your company already owns Bentley solutions, you may need to provide both your business and personal email addresses for the license assignment.
Meeting Format: In-person
Location: The Catholic University of America, Maloney Hall (620 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, DC), Room TBD
Time: Monday, September 8th at 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Cost of Attendance: $0 Students, $10 Life Members, $20 Members, $25 Non-members
(Note: Metered parking is available around the building.)
All in person participating attendees will be provided a PDH at their request.
About the Speakers
Parsa Heydarpour Ph.D., P.E.,PMP
Tunnel Specialist- COWI North America
Parsa Heydarpour, Ph.D., P.E., PMP
Tunnel Specialist, COWI NA
Dr. Parsa Heydarpour is an accomplished structural engineer and educator with a robust background in civil engineering, specializing in structural and geotechnical analysis and design. As a Tunnel Specialist with COWI NA, Dr. Heydarpour leads complex underground engineering projects, including large-scale transit systems, urban resiliency initiatives, and critical infrastructure development. His expertise encompasses advanced structural modeling, geotechnical assessments, and the development of innovative solutions for challenging engineering problems.
Dr. Heydarpour is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states (DC, MD, and NC) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and a Top Expert Engineer Member of the MIDAS Expert Network. His contributions to the engineering community include hosting expert workshops and publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from seismic analysis to geotechnical modeling.
