Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Greenfield tunnelling in sands: the effects of soil density and relative depth

Franza, A.; Marshall, Alec M.; Zhou, B.

Greenfield tunnelling in sands: the effects of soil density and relative depth Thumbnail


Authors

A. Franza

ALEC MARSHALL alec.marshall@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor of Geotechnical Engineering

B. Zhou



Abstract

Tunnel construction is vital for the development of urban infrastructure systems throughout the world. An understanding of tunnelling-induced displacements is needed to evaluate the impact of tunnel construction on existing structures. Recent research has provided insight into the complex mechanisms that control tunnelling-induced ground movements in sands; however, the combined influence of relative tunnel depth and soil density has not been described. This paper presents data from a series of 15 plane-strain centrifuge tests in dry sand. The cover-to-diameter ratio, C/D, of the tunnels ranges between 1·3 and 6·3, thereby including relatively shallow and deep tunnels. The sand relative density varies between 30 and 90%, corresponding to loose and dense soils. The effects of C/D, soil density and volume loss on vertical and horizontal soil movements, shear strains and ground reaction curves are discussed. Analysis of surface and subsurface settlement trough characteristics shows that the mechanisms are non-linear and the effects of soil relative density and volume loss on deformation patterns are highly dependent on C/D. The role of soil arching in the definition of the displacement mechanisms and a discussion of the implications of the results to the assessment of damage to existing structures are also provided.

Citation

Franza, A., Marshall, A. M., & Zhou, B. (2019). Greenfield tunnelling in sands: the effects of soil density and relative depth. Géotechnique, 69(4), 297-307. https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.17.P.091

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date May 21, 2018
Online Publication Date Mar 18, 2019
Publication Date Apr 30, 2019
Deposit Date Jul 20, 2018
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Geotechnique
Print ISSN 0016-8505
Electronic ISSN 1751-7656
Publisher Thomas Telford
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 69
Issue 4
Pages 297-307
DOI https://doi.org/10.1680/jgeot.17.P.091
Keywords centrifuge modelling; sands; settlement; tunnels & tunnelling
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/938017
Publisher URL https://www.icevirtuallibrary.com/doi/10.1680/jgeot.17.P.091

Files





You might also like



Downloadable Citations