Numerical analysis of a deep excavation in front of MarmorKirken, Copenhagen

In this paper, the main results of a numerical geotechnical analysis of the deep excavation carried out in front of MarmorKirken in Copenhagen are presented and compared with the observed performance. The excavation has a maximum depth of about 35 m; a full top-down construction technique was adopted in order to minimize the effects induced by the excavation works on the monument. Foundation soils are characterized by the presence, starting from a depth of about 13 m, of a limestone formation. The comparison between predicted and observed performance shows that a significant amount (about 50%) of the maximum settlements experienced by the church occurred during the construction stage of the retaining wall panels in front of the church. Numerical analyses got the order of magnitude of displacements, but underpredicted both panel construction and excavation induced settlements of the church, while a better agreement was found for horizontal displacements.