Deep learning approaches for estimating maximum wall deflection in excavations with inconsistent clay stratigraphy

This paper presents a deep learning architecture combined with exploratory data analysis to estimate maximum wall deflection in deep excavations. Six major geotechnical parameters were studied. Statistical methods, such as pair plots and Pearson correlation, highlighted excavation depth (correlation coefficient = 0.82) as the most significant factor. For method prediction, five deep learning models (CNN, LSTM, BiLSTM, CNN-LSTM, and CNN-BiLSTM) were built. The CNN-BiLSTM model excelled in training performance (R² = 0.98, RMSE = 0.02), while BiLSTM reached superior testing results (R² = 0.85, RMSE = 0.06), suggesting greater generalization ability. Based on the feature importance analysis from model weights, excavation depth, stiffness ratio, and bracing spacing were ranked as the highest contributors. This point verified a lack of prediction bias on residual plots and high model agreement with measured values on Taylor diagrams (correlation coefficient 0.92). The effectiveness of integrated techniques was reliably assured for predicting wall deformation. This approach facilitates more accurate and efficient geotechnical design and provides engineers with improved tools for risk evaluation and decision-making in deep excavation projects.