Analytical solution on the displacement of soil-nail braced structure based on the minimum potential energy principle

Soil nailing is an economical and convenient bracing structure for foundation pits. In previous researches, the strength control is the main standard in the structural design of the soil-nail braced structure, but the deformation control is rarely considered. A closed-form solution for the horizontal displacement of the soil-nail braced structure is presented. An energy equation is established based on the mechanical characteristics of the surface layer. According to the principle of the minimum potential energy, a closed-form solution on the horizontal displacement of the soil-nail braced structure is derived. The results are validated through a comparison with a project case. It shows that this analytical solution is reasonable and feasible and can satisfy the engineering requirements.