Effect of Geometric Parameters and Construction Sequence on Ground Settlement of Offset Arrangement Twin Tunnels

A parametric study that examines the ground surface settlement due to the excavation of shallow offset arrangement twin tunnels is presented. Offset arrangement tunnels are those that run parallel to each other, but at different elevations. The study focuses on the influence of both the construction sequence and various geometric parameters on the induced soil settlement. A series of three-dimensional finite element analyses was carried out to investigate the settlement behavior and interactions between offset arrangement twin tunnels excavated in clay using a simplified mechanized excavation method. Analyses were carried out for three cover-to-diameter (C/D) ratios, three possible construction sequences, five angular relative positions, and five angular spacings. In addition, settlement data were also investigated by varying horizontal and vertical spacings while keeping the angular spacing constant. The total settlement of the excavated twin tunnels and the settlement induced solely by the new second tunnel are both presented, and special attention was paid to identifying the dominant geometric parameters. The observed data trends from this study are generally consistent with the limited data available in the literature. This study confirmed a few perceived behaviors. First, angular relative position better describes the settlement behavior in comparison to angular spacing. Second, the effect of the vertical distance is noticeably more significant than that of the horizontal distance between the two tunnels. Third, excavation of the lower tunnel at first induces higher total ground settlement than when the upper tunnel is excavated first or when both tunnels are excavated concurrently. Fourth, settlement due to the construction of the newer tunnel decreases with the increase in the cover depth. In addition, two design charts have been proposed to calculate the settlement induced from a new second tunnel excavation and the eccentricity of the maximum total settlement relative to the center of the new tunnel.

Evaluating the steady-state of twin tunnels of Pirtaghi dam power plant under earthquake loadings

The design of structures for a long time use represents a big challenge in the rock mechanics and tunneling works. The water supply of the Pirtaghi Dam reservoir-pumping power plant in Iran is provided by the twin tunnels. Since the Pirtaghi dam site is located in an earthquake-prone area, it will probably experience earthquakes in its lifetime. So, in this project, the steady-state of the support system of the twin tunnels of the water supply of the Pirtaghi power plant under likely earthquake and static loading is evaluated by a 3D numerical modeling. The results show that the system is capable to guarantee stability against seismic loads.

Comparison of Dynamic Characteristics between Small and Super-Large Diameter Cross-River Twin Tunnels under Train Vibration

Train vibration from closely aligned adjacent tunnels could cause safety concerns, especially given the soaring size of the tunnel diameter. This paper established a two-dimensional discrete element model (DEM) of small (d = 6.2 m) and super-large (D = 15.2 m) diameter cross-river twin tunnels and discussed the dynamic characteristics of adjacent tunnels during the vibration of a train that runs through the tunnel at a speed of 120 km/h. Results in the D tunnel showed that the horizontal walls have the same horizontal displacement (DH) and the vertical walls have the same vertical displacement (DV). The stress state of the surroundings of the D tunnel is the decisive factor for DH, and the distance from the vibration point to the measurement point is the decisive factor for DV. Results in the comparison of the d and D tunnels showed that the D tunnel is more stable than the d tunnel with respect to two aspects: the time the tunnel reaches the equilibrium state and the vibration amplitude of the structure’s dynamic and static responses. The dynamic characteristic of the d and D tunnel is significantly different. This research is expected to guide the design and construction of large diameter twin tunnels.

3D FEM Model on the Parameters’ Influence of EPB-TBM on Settlements of Single and Twin Metro Tunnels During Construction

The present research exposes the investigation on three-dimensional modeling of the single and twin metro tunnels for the case of the Tehran metro line. At first, simulation implemented on the comparison of the ground movements in the single and twin tunnels. Then the simulation has been performed on the influence of effective parameters of EPB-TBM on the surface settlements throughout excavation. The overcutting, shield conicity, grouting, and the final lining system modeled and the influence of face supporting pressure, grout injection pressure, as well as the clear distance of the tunnels, has been analyzed. The initial results showed a valid ground settlement behavior. The maximum settlements occurred at the end of the shield tail and it was higher in the single tunnel. The face supporting pressure had more effect on the surface settlement in comparison to the grout injection pressure. By increasing the face pressure in the single tunnel, the place of maximum settlement moved back while the grout pressure is insignificant for decreasing the settlements. Furthermore, the influence of the clear distance in the twin tunnels led to zero after the length of 30 m. Accordingly, for more distances, the tunnels must be examined independently and as two different single tunnels.