Research and development support of the spacer system for the foundation pit constructed by the Moscow method

The article presents the results obtained during the research and development support for the construction of the foundation pit for a projected hotel near the Kursky railway station in Moscow using the truss spacer system fixed in the diaphragm wall. This construction technique, called the “Moscow method” ensures the gradual soil excavation between the pit walls along tiers reinforced by steel spacer trusses to be performed simultaneously with installation of floor slabs. The developed and approved at TsNIISK named after V.A. Kucherenko method for determining stresses (deformations) in elements of metal structures using mechanical strain gauges with a removable indicator was applied to monitor the construction of a unique structure. During the monitoring, emergency situations, requiring extra measures for eliminating the identified unacceptable stresses in the structures, were identified. The provided example demonstrates the research and development support to a prerequisite for the construction of unique buildings and structures.