Horizontal displacements induced by rock excavation: Scotia Plaza, Toronto, Ontario
The design and construction of a 69-storey building, the Scotia Plaza in downtown Toronto, Ontario, necessitated an assessment of the horizontal displacements induced onto adjacent existing structures as a result of rock excavation. Field and laboratory tests were performed to measure the elastic and time-dependent deformation parameters as well as the in situ horizontal stresses in rock. With the deformation parameters and initial state of stresses determined, analyses were performed to predict the magnitude and distribution of elastic and time-dependent deformation. During excavation, horizontal displacements were monitored by (a) a field slot test to verify the rock mass modulus, (b) inclinometers and extensometers, and (c) internal taping of floors of adjacent structures. The results of these field measurements are compared with those predicted in the design analysis, and are found to be within the predicted limits and design requirements. The use of rock anchors to partially suppress time-dependent displacements is also briefly discussed. Key words: rock excavation, horizontal displacement, time-dependent deformation, in situ stresses, rock anchors.