Tunneling-Induced Deformation of Bare Frame Structures on Sand: Numerical Study of Building Deformations

Boldini, D.; Losacco, N.; Franza, A.; DeJong, M. J.; Xu, J.; Marshall, A. M.

Abstract

The paper compares the performance of two Finite Element Method approaches in reproducing the response of bare frame structures to tunneling in dry dense sand. A fully coupled approach, in which the tunnel, frame and soil are accounted for, is compared with a two-stage method incorporating simpler structural and soil models. The two approaches are validated against centrifuge test results of tunneling in sand beneath frames founded on either rafts or separate footings. Both approaches provide good estimates of displacements and distortions experienced by the frames provided that the soil-foundation interface and structural stiffness are correctly accounted for. The numerical models are also employed to extend the range of eccentric configurations investigated with centrifuge tests. The results demonstrate that shear deformations play an important role for all considered buildings, whereas only frames on separate footings are sensitive to horizontal ground movements. Finally, data are synthesized using modification factors and recently proposed relative stiffness terms.

Citation

Boldini, D., Losacco, N., Franza, A., DeJong, M. J., Xu, J., & Marshall, A. M. (2021). Tunneling-Induced Deformation of Bare Frame Structures on Sand: Numerical Study of Building Deformations. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 147(11), Article 0002627. https://doi.org/10.1061/%28asce%29gt.1943-5606.0002627

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 3, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Aug 23, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Deposit Date: Jun 9, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 23, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
• Print ISSN: 1090-0241
• Electronic ISSN: 1943-5606
• Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 147
• Issue: 11
• Article Number: 0002627
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/%28asce%29gt.1943-5606.0002627
• Keywords: Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology; General Environmental Science
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5652007
• Publisher URL: https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/%28ASCE%29GT.1943-5606.0002627
• Related Public URLs: http://cedb.asce.org
• Additional Information: Received: 2020-06-26; Accepted: 2021-06-03; Published: 2021-08-23