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Ensuring Building Safety During 'The Big Dig' with ANSYS/Mechanical
Technology Category
- Sensors - Dry Contact Sensors
- Sensors - Proximity Sensors
Applicable Industries
- Buildings
- Cement
Use Cases
- Building Automation & Control
- Construction Site Monitoring
The Challenge
The Central Artery/Tunnel Project, also known as 'The Big Dig', was a massive undertaking in Boston, Massachusetts, aimed at replacing the Interstate 90 roadway. The project involved constructing a new seven-mile, 8-10 lane roadway and various interchanges, most of which were to be built 70 feet beneath the city. However, the project posed significant challenges due to its proximity to some of the largest and oldest buildings in downtown Boston. One such building was the One Financial Center, a 46-story office building located just 25 feet away from a 100-feet deep excavation for the tunnel. The building's owners were concerned about the potential effects of the excavation on the building's stability. The excavation process involved a 'de-watering' step, where water was removed from the dig site and surrounding soil. This could cause the ground to compress, potentially leading to building settlement, structural stress, and damage.
About The Customer
The customer in this case study is the owner of One Financial Center, a 46-story office building located in downtown Boston. The building is one of the larger structures in the area, with two levels underground and a mat foundation resting on dense granular soil. The building's proximity to the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, specifically a 100-feet deep excavation for the tunnel, raised concerns about the potential impact on the building's stability and safety. The building's owners turned to Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff, the project managers of the Central Artery/Tunnel project, to address these concerns and ensure the safety of the building and its occupants.
The Solution
To address these concerns, project managers Bechtel/Parsons Brinckerhoff enlisted the help of Weidlinger Associates, Inc. to conduct a study of the de-watering effects and the deep excavation. The solution involved performing a simulation of the interaction between the existing building structure/foundation, tunnel construction, adjacent buildings, and ground using ANSYS/Mechanical software. This software allowed the team to simulate building conditions at 13 different stages of tunnel construction. By doing so, they were able to ensure the safety of the building and the construction site, and ease the concerns of both the building owners and occupants. The use of ANSYS/Mechanical software provided a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts of the excavation on the building, allowing for proactive measures to be taken to prevent any damage.
Operational Impact
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