This paper presents the design criteria, finite element modeling and actual behavior of a braced sheetpile excavation in Detroit soft clay. Due to the close proximity of existing structures to the excavation, a detailed analysis was performed to design and construct an earth retention system to avoid damage to these structures. The excavation involved a 170 ft by 220 ft area. The maximum depth of excavation was 23.5 ft. The subsurface soil consists of soft to very soft Detroit clay from the excavation level to a depth of 80 ft and has an undrained shear strength as low as 360 psf
