Centrifuge modelling of tunnelling induced ground displacements: pressure and displacement control tunnels

Marshall, Alec M.; Song, Geyang

Abstract

Predicting the impact of tunnelling-induced ground movements on existing foundation systems or infrastructure is an important stage during tunnel design or risk assessment processes. Centrifuge modelling has been used extensively as a tool to study soil movements caused by tunnelling and their interactions with existing structures. In 2D plane-strain centrifuge models, tunnel volume loss can be simulated in a variety of ways, but is conventionally done using a fluid-filled flexible membrane or a rigid boundary mechanical model tunnel. The choice of model tunnel has an impact on the imparted tunnel boundary displacements and resulting ground deformations, yet a thorough quantitative evaluation of these effects has not been conducted. This paper aims to address this by contrasting plane-strain centrifuge test results from experiments using a flexible membrane model tunnel with those from a newly developed eccentric rigid boundary mechanical model tunnel. A quantitative assessment of surface and subsurface settlement trough characteristics as well as soil shear and volumetric response is provided. Results from numerical analyses using a hypoplastic constitutive model are also included, focusing on evaluating centrifuge spin-up effects and contrasting numerical outcomes with experimental data relating to settlement trough characteristics and soil shear/volumetric response. The outcomes of this paper should benefit future researchers considering which type of model tunnel to adopt when developing centrifuge tests related to 2D plane-strain tunnel modelling.

Citation

Marshall, A. M., & Song, G. (2020). Centrifuge modelling of tunnelling induced ground displacements: pressure and displacement control tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 103, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103461

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 17, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jun 17, 2020
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: May 19, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 18, 2021
• Journal: Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology
• Print ISSN: 0886-7798
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-4364
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 103
• Article Number: 103461
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103461
• Keywords: Tunnelling, Centrifuge modelling, Greenfield settlements, Numerical modelling, Hypoplastic
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/4468776
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0886779820304156