Large diameter shafts for underground infrastructure

[Display omitted] •Large diameter shafts built by the sequential excavation method were analysed.•Different construction sequences and geological depositions were considered.•The lining safety was evaluated by three different methods.•The height of the excavation stages was the most influencing parameter.•Inclined geological depositions result in different shaft behaviour. The technique of large diameter shafts for deep excavations was analysed in terms of its basic construction elements, reported literature cases and design methods. The effects of the construction sequence and the geological deposition on the behaviour of the shaft was analysed using 3D finite element models. Induced stresses and displacements on the soil mass were investigated. Three methods to assess the stability of the shaft lining were presented and employed as a post-processing stage of analysis of the models. The results indicated a major influence of the height of the vertical excavation stages on the shaft behaviour, markedly on the induced settlements. The lining analysis also demonstrated the effects of the vertical excavation stages and how different safety assessment methods can produce significantly different results.