Three-dimensional numerical simulation for mechanized tunnelling in soft ground: the influence of the joint pattern

• Published in: Acta geotechnica Vol. 9; no. 4; pp. 673 - 694
• Main Authors: Do, Ngoc-Anh, Dias, Daniel, Oreste, Pierpaolo, Djeran-Maigre, Irini
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-08-2014; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Complex Fluids and Microfluidics; Computer simulation; Displacement; Engineering; Excavation; Foundations; Geoengineering; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Hydraulics; Mathematical models; Numerical analysis; Research Paper; Simulation; Soft and Granular Matter; Soft ground; Soil Science & Conservation; Solid Mechanics; Three dimensional; Three dimensional imaging; Three dimensional models; Tunnel linings; Tunnels; Tunnels (transportation); Settlement; Joint pattern; Tunnel; Lining response; Segmental lining; Three-dimensional modelling
• ISSN: 1861-1125; 1861-1133
• DOI: 10.1007/s11440-013-0279-7

The main purpose of this study was to provide a three-dimensional numerical model, which would allow the tunnel lining behaviour and the displacement field surrounding the tunnel to be evaluated. Most of the processes that occur during mechanized excavation have been simulated in this model. The influence of the lining joint pattern, including segmental lining joints and their connections, has in particular been taken into consideration. The impact of the processes during mechanized excavation, such as the grouting pressure and the jacking forces in the structural forces induced in the tunnel lining, has been presented. These values depend on the tunnel advancement. However, a negligible influence of the joint pattern on the ground displacement field surrounding the tunnel has been observed. Generally, a variation in the structural forces in successive rings along the tunnel axis has been found in a staggered segmental lining, indicating the necessity of simulating the joints in the tunnel lining and using a full three-dimensional numerical model to obtain an accurate estimation. In addition, the considerable influence of the coupling effect between successive rings on the lining behaviour has been highlighted.