Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Analysis of Rock Load for Tunnel Lining Design

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Geotechnical and Geological Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rock load relaxed by surrounding ground due to a tunnel excavation is one of the most important parameters in support system design of underground structures. There are three different methods for estimating rock load, namely, empirical solutions, convergence-confinement method (CCM), and numerical techniques. In the present study, rock loads acting on the final support system of Bazi-Deraz water conveyance tunnel at its different sections are estimated using aforementioned methods. Results show that, in a hydrostatic stress field, empirical and plastic zone-based numerical methods provide maximum and minimum rock load estimates, respectively, and numerical technique which is based on local safety factor obtains a more accurate rock load than the method based on plastic zone. Comparing empirical and analytical methods, rock load estimation using Goel-Jethwa’s method obtains the closest values to analytical results in hydrostatic stress field. It is, however, observed that these methods cannot be used in non-hydrostatic stress fields. Therefore, it is proposed to utilize a coupled numerical-CCM method to estimate rock load when stress coefficient K is larger than 1.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Afshar T, Sharifzadeh M, Rostami J (2014) Estimation of rock load for tunnels with different disturbance factors. In: 15th Australian Tunneling Conference

  • Ahmed M, Iskander M (2011) Analysis of tunneling-induced ground movements using transparent soil models. J Geotech Geoenviron Eng 137(5):525–535. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000456

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmed M, Iskander M (2012) Evaluation of tunnel face stability by transparent soil models. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 27(12):101–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2011.08.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alejano LR, Alonso E, Rodriguez-Dono A, Fernandez-Manin G (2009) Ground reaction curves for tunnels excavated in different quality rock masses showing several types of post-failure behaviour. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 24:689–705. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2009.07.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alejano LR, Alonso E, Rodriguez-Dono A, Fernandez-Manin G (2010) Application of the convergence-confinement method to tunnels in rock masses exhibiting Hoek–Brown strain-softening behaviour. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 47:150–160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2009.07.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton N, Lien R, Lunde J (1974) Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support. Rock Mech 6:189–236. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01239496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhasin R, Grimstad E (1996) The use of stress-strength relationships in the assessment of tunnel stability. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 11:93–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/0886-7798(95)00047-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brady BHG, Brown ET (2012) Rock mechanics: for underground mining. George Allen & Unwin Ltd, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Carranza-Torres C, Fairhurst C (2000) Application of convergence-confinement method of tunnel design to rock masses that satisfy the Hoek–Brown failure criterion. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 15:187–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0886-7798(00)00046-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chun BS, Shin YW (2001) A study on the design of NATM tunnel concrete lining. J Korean Soc Rock Mech 11:96–108

    Google Scholar 

  • De La Fuente M, Taherzadeh R, Sulem J, Nguyen XS, Subrin D (2019) Applicability of the convergence-confinement method to full-face excavation of circular tunnels with stiff support system. Rock Mech Rock Eng. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-018-1694-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deere DU (1969) Design of tunnel liners and support system. Highway Research Record 339, US Department of Transportation, Washington DC

  • Dehkordi MS, Shahriar K, Moarefvand P, Gharouninik M (2011) Application of the strain energy to estimate the rock load in non-squeezing ground condition. Arch Min Sci 56:551–566

    Google Scholar 

  • Dehkordi MS, Shahriar K, Moarefvand P, Gharouninik M (2013) Application of the strain energy to estimate the rock load in squeezing ground condition of Emamzade Hashem tunnel in Iran. Arab J Geosci 6:1241–1248. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0417-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dehkordi MS, Lazemi HA, Shahriar K, Dehkordi MS (2015) Estimation of the rock load in non-squeezing ground condition using the post failure properties of rock mass. Geotech Geol Eng 33(4):1115–1128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-015-9891-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dwivedi R, Singh M, Viladkar MN, Goel RK (2014) Estimation of support pressure during tunneling through squeezing grounds. Eng Geol 168:9–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2013.10.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fenner R (1938) Untersuchungen zur erkenntis des gebirgsdruckes. Glukauf 32

  • Fuyong C, Lin W, Zhang W (2019) Reliability assessment on stability of tunneling perpendicularly beneath an existing tunnel considering spatial variability of rock properties. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 88:276–289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2019.03.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goel RK, Jethwa JL (1991) Prediction of support pressure using RMR classification. In: Proceeding of the indian geotechnical conference

  • Goel RK, Jethwa JL, Paithankar A (1995a) An empirical approach for predicting ground condition for tunneling and its practical benefits. In: Proceeding of 35th US symposium on rock mechanics (USRMS), American Rock Mechanics Association

  • Goel RK, Jethwa JL, Paithankar A (1995b) Indian experiences with Q and RMR systems. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 10:97–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/0886-7798(94)00069-W

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goh ATC, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Yang X, Yuzhou X (2018) Determination of earth pressure balance tunnel-related maximum surface settlement: a multivariate adaptive regression splines approach. Bull Eng Geol Environ 77(2):489–500. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-016-0937-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gonzalez-Nicieza C, Alvarez-Virgil AE, Menendez-Diaz A, Gonzalez-Palacio C (2008) Influence of the depth and shape of a tunnel in the application of the convergence-confinement method. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 23:25–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2006.12.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Marinos P (2000) Predicting tunnel squeezing problems in weak heterogeneous rock masses. Tunn Tunn Int 32:45–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Jethwa JL, Dube AK, Singh B, Singh B (1984) Squeezing problems in Indian tunnels. In: International conference on case histories in geotechnical engineering

  • Liu J (2009) Visualizing 3-D internal soil deformation using laser speckle and transparent soil techniques. Geotech Spec Publ 189:123–128. https://doi.org/10.1061/41041(348)18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu J, Iskander M (2010) Modelling capacity of transparent soil. Can Geotech J 47:451–460. https://doi.org/10.1139/T09-116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lombardi G (1980) Some comments on the convergence-confinement method. Undergr Sp 4:249–258

    Google Scholar 

  • Lu Q, Chan CL, Low BK (2013) System reliability assessment for a rock tunnel with multiple failure modes. Rock Mech Rock Eng 46:821–833. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-012-0285-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ninic J, Meschke G (2015) Model update and real-time steering of tunnel boring machines using simulation-based meta models. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 45:138–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2014.09.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osgoui R, Unal E (2009) An empirical method for design of grouted bolts in rock tunnels based on the geological strength index (GSI). Eng Geol 107:154–166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2009.05.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pacher F, Rabcewicz L, Golser J (1974) Zum der seitigen stand der gebirgsklassifizierung in stolen und tunnelbau. In: Proceedings of the 12th Geomechanics Colloquium, Salzburg, Austria, pp 51–58

  • Protodyakonov MN (1963) Firmness coefficient for estimation of rock loads. Personal communication to Beas Design Organization, New Delhi

    Google Scholar 

  • Rose D (1982) Revising Terzaghi’s tunnel rock load coefficients. In: 23rd US symposium on rock mechanics (USRMS), American Rock Mechanics Association

  • Sahel Consulting Engineers (2015) Engineering geological report of Bazi-Deraz water conveyance tunnel, Tehran

  • Shrestha PK, Panthi KK (2014) Assessment of the effect of stress anisotropy on tunnel deformation in the Kaligandaki project in the Nepal Himalaya. Bull Eng Geol Environ 74(3):815–826. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-014-0641-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh B, Jethwa JL, Dube AK, Singh B (1992) Correlation between observed support pressure and rock mass quality. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 7(1):59–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/0886-7798(92)90114-W

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh B, Viladkar MN, Samadhiya NK (1995) A semi empirical method for the design of support systems in underground openings. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 10:375–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/0886-7798(95)00016-R

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Terzaghi K (1946) Rock defects and loads on Tunnel Supports. In: Introduction to rock tunnelling with steel support, RV Proctor and TC White, Youngstown, Ohio, USA

  • Unal E (1983) Development of design guidelines and roof-control standards for coal-mine roofs. Ph.D. Dissertation, Pennsylvania State University, US

  • Yoo K, Lee D (2008) A numerical comparison study on the estimation of relaxed rock mass height around subsea tunnels with the existing suggested methods. J Korean Tunn Undergr Space Assoc 10(1):25-36. https://doi.org/10.9711/KTAJ.2017.19.6.999

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yuzhou X, Hanlong L, Zhang W, Jian C, Zhang D, Yang X (2018) Application of transparent soil model test and DEM simulation in study of tunnel failure mechanism. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 74:178–184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2018.01.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang W, Goh ATC (2015) Numerical study of pillar stresses and interaction effects for twin rock caverns. Int J Numer Anal Meth Geomech 39:193–206. https://doi.org/10.1002/nag.2306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou P (2014) The use of the continuity factor as a tool to represent representative elementary volume in rock engineering design. Thesis, KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Mining, Petroleum and Geophysics Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

    Hashem Taghizadeh, Shokrollah Zare & Masoud Mazraehli

Authors
  1. Hashem Taghizadeh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Shokrollah Zare
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Masoud Mazraehli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Shokrollah Zare.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Taghizadeh, H., Zare, S. & Mazraehli, M. Analysis of Rock Load for Tunnel Lining Design. Geotech Geol Eng 38, 2989–3005 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-020-01202-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-020-01202-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation