Ability and limits of numerical methods for the design of deep construction pits

Abstract The evaluation and prediction of deformations is becoming a main accent for the work of geotechnical engineers. Numerical methods are a powerful instrument to solve this task. Hence, in order to get reliable results, some requirements on the use of finite elements has to be considered. The calculation is limited by the quality of the models and procedures used in practice. The limits are discussed in this paper. It also deals with the results of back-analysis of deformations of construction pits. The numerical results are compared with conventional calculations.