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Numerical modelling of mechanised tunnelling in clay
Date Issued
01-01-2019
Author(s)
Vineetha, K.
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
Abstract
Mechanised tunnelling method using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is widely used in urban settings due to the lesser construction duration and minimal surface disruption. However, field-monitoring studies report ground movements and damages to the buildings under which the TBM ploughed through. Hence, it is important to attain a detailed understanding of the TBM–ground interaction before the initiation of any new tunnel construction activity so as to predict the variation in the in situ ground conditions, avoid any damage to the structures adjacent to the tunnel alignment and optimise the TBM performance. This paper comprises a brief review of various studies on the simulation of tunnelling in soft soils followed by the numerical back-analysis of a typical field-monitoring study involving underground tunnelling in clay using the general purpose finite element suite, ABAQUS. A circular tunnel with 8.16 m diameter, running straight and embedded in clay with 19.0 m overburden is considered. The deformation and pore pressure response is monitored along the ground surface and near the tunnel crown, respectively, for each excavation stage of 1.5 m. The numerical model clearly demonstrated the progressive changes in these parameters as the excavation advances.
Volume
15