Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Surface settlement prediction for EPB shield tunneling in sandy ground

  • Tunnel Engineering
  • Published:
KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering Aims and scope

Abstract

Ground volume loss induced by shield tunnel construction is the major factor leading to ground settlement and deformation. The general equations predicting surface settlement based on ground volume loss involve a settlement trough width coefficient (parameter i) which in previous models was set as a constant in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. In this work, the equations predicting surface settlement during the construction were modified by introducing the parameter j – the width coefficient in the longitudinal direction, assumed to be different from that in the transverse direction. A model shield machine was adopted to carry a laboratory test under 1 g to investigate surface settlement induced by earth-pressure-balance shield tunnel construction in unsaturated sandy soil. The surface settlement during the excavating observed in the test was compared with that predicted by general equations from previous studies and the modified. The results showed that surface settlement above shield machine obtained by the modified equation proposed here fits the test data better than those obtained by the general equations because of the introduced longitudinal width coefficient.

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

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Attewell, P. B. and Hurrell, M. R. (1985). “Settlement development caused by tunnelling in soil.” Ground Engineering, Vol. 18, No. 8, pp. 17–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Attewell, P. B. and Woodman, J. P. (1982). “Predicting the dynamics of ground settlement and its derivitives caused by tunnelling in soil.” Ground Engineering, Vol. 15, No. 8, pp. 13–22,36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolton, M. D., Lu, Y. C., and Sharma, J. S. (1996). “Centrifuge models of tunnel construction and compensation grouting.” Int. Symp. on Geotech. Aspects of Underground Constr. in Soft Ground. Balkema, Rotterdam, pp. 471–477.

    Google Scholar 

  • Celestino, T. B., Gomes, R. A. M. P., and Bortolucci, A. A. (2000). “Errors in ground distortions due to settlement trough adjustment.” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 97–100, DOI: 10.1016/S0886-7798(99)00054-1.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chakeri, H., Ozcelik, Y., and Unver, B. (2013). “Effects of important factors on surface settlement prediction for metro tunnel excavated by EPB.” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 36, pp. 14–23, DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2013.02.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chapman, D. N., Ahn, S. K., and Hunt, D. V. L. (2007). “Investigating ground movements caused by the construction of multiple tunnels in soft ground using laboratory model tests.” Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Vol. 44, No. 6, pp. 631–643, DOI: 10.1139/t07-018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, R. P., Zhu, J., Liu, W., and Tang, X. W. (2011). “Ground movement induced by parallel EPB tunnels in silty soils.” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 26, No. 1, pp. 163–171, DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2010.09.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chou, W.-I. and Bobet, A. (2002). “Predictions of ground deformations in shallow tunnels in clay.” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 3–19, DOI: 10.1016/S0886-7798 (01)00068-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fang, Y., Yang, Z., Cui, G., and He, C. (2015). “Prediction of surface settlement process based on model shield tunnel driving test.” Arabian Journal of Geoscience, Vol. 8, pp. 7787–7796, DOI: 10.1007/s12517-015-1800-0.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franzius, J. N., Potts, D. M., and Burland, J. B. (2005). “The influence of soil anisotropy and K0 on ground surface movements resulting from tunnel excavation.” Géotechnique, Vol. 55, No. 3, pp. 189–199, DOI: 10.1680/geot.2005.55.3.189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gharahbagh, E. A., Rostami, J., and Talebi, K. (2014). “Experimental study of the effect of conditioning on abrasive wear and torque requirement of full face tunneling machines.” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 41, pp. 127–136, DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2013.12.003.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grasmick, J., Mooney, M., Rysdahl, B., Prantil, E., and Thompson, A. (2015). “Evaluation of slurry TBM design support pressures using east side access queens bored tunnels data.” Proc. Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference, New Orleans, LA, June, pp. 7–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • He, C., Feng, K., Fang, Y., and Jiang, Y. C. (2012). “Surface settlement caused by twin-parallel shield tunnelling in sandy cobble strata.” Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A, Vol. 13, No. 11, pp. 858–869, DOI: 10.1631/jzus.A12ISGT6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, S.-H. (1996). Model testing and analysis of interactions between tunnels in clay, University of Oxford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, K. M., Ji, H. W., Shen, C. K., Liu, J. H., and Bai, T. H. (1999). “Ground response to the construction of shanghai metro tunnel-Line 2.” Soils and Foundations, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 113–134.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, K. and Rowe, R. (1991). “An analysis of three-dimensional ground movements: The thunder bay tunnel.” Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Vol. 28, No. 1, pp. 25–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liao, S. M., Liu, J. H., Wang, R. L., and Li, Z. M. (2009). “Shield tunneling and environment protection in Shanghai soft ground.” Tunnelling and underground space technology, Vol. 24, No. 4, pp. 454–465, DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2008. 12.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, J. H. and Hou, X. Y. (1991). Shield method tunnel, China Railway Press, Beijing (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Loganathan, N., Poulos, H. G., and Stewart, D.P. (2000). “Centrifuge model testing of tunnelling-induced ground and pile deformations.” Géotechnique, Vol. 50, No. 3, pp. 283–294, DOI: 10.1680/geot. 2000.50.3.283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mair, R. J., Taylor, R. N., and Bracegirdle, A. (1993). “Subsurface settlement profiles above tunnels in clays.” Géotechnique, Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 315–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, A. M., Farrell, R., Klar, A., and Mair, R. (2012). “Tunnels in sands: The effect of size, depth and volume loss on greenfield displacements.” Géotechnique, Vol. 62, No. 5, pp. 385–399, DOI: 10.1680/geot.10.P.047.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, A. M. and Mair, R. J. (2011). “Tunneling beneath driven or jacked end-bearing piles in sand.” Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Vol. 48, No. 12, pp. 1757–1771, DOI: 10.1139/t11-067.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathew, G. V. and Lehane, B. M. (2012). “Numerical back-analyses of greenfield settlement during tunnel boring.” Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Vol. 50, No. 2, pp. 145–152, DOI: 10.1139/cgj-2011-0358.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melis, M., Medina, L., and Rodriguez, J. M. (2002). “Prediction and analysis of subsidence induced by shield tunnelling in the Madrid Metro extension.” Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Vol. 39, No. 6, pp. 1273–1287, DOI: 10.1139/t02-073.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merritt, A. and Mair, R. J. (2006). “Mechanics of tunnelling machine screw conveyors: Model tests.” Géotechnique, Vol. 56, No. 9, pp. 605–615, DOI: 10.1680/geot.2006.56.9.605.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merritt, A. and Mair, R. J. (2008). “Mechanics of tunnelling machine screw conveyors: A theoretical model.” Géotechnique, Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 79–94, DOI: 10.1680/geot.2008.58.2.79.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mooney, M., Grasmick, J., Kenneally, B., and Fang, Y. (2015). “The role of slurry TBM parameters on ground deformation: field results and computational modeling.” Proc. Intl. Conf. on Tunnel Boring Machines in Difficult Grounds (TBM DiGs), Singapore, November, pp. 18–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nazem, A., Hossaini, M. F., Rahami, H., and Bolghonabadi, R. (2015). “Optimization of conformal mapping functions used in developing closed-form solutions for underground structures with conventional cross sections.” Int. Journal of Mining & Geo-Engineering, Vol. 49, No. 1, pp. 93–102.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nomoto, T., Imamura, S., Hagiwara, T., Kusakabe, O., and Fujii, N. (1999). “Shield tunnel construction in centrifuge.” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 125, No. 4, pp. 289–300, DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(1999) 125:4(289).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’reilly, M. and New, B. (1982). “Settlements above tunnels in the United Kingdom-their magnitude and prediction.” Proc. Tunnelling 82, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London, pp. 173–181.

    Google Scholar 

  • Papastamos, G., Stiros, S., Saltogianni, V., and Kontogianni, V. (2014). “3-D strong tilting observed in tall, isolated brick chimneys during the excavation of the Athens Metro.” Applied Geomatics, Vol. 7, No. 2, pp. 115–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, K.-H. (2005). “Analytical solution for tunnelling-induced ground movement in clays.” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 20, No. 3, pp. 249–261, DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2004.08.009.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Park, K. (2004). “Elastic solution for tunneling-induced ground movements in clays.” International Journal of Geomechanics, Vol. 4, No. 4, pp. 310–318, DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)1532-3641(2004)4:4(310).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peck, R. B. (1969). “Deep excavations and tunnelling in soft ground.” Proc. 7th Int. Conf. on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Mexico, pp. 225–290.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peila, D., Oggeri, C., and Vinai, R. (2007). “Screw conveyor device for laboratory tests on conditioned soil for EPB tunneling operations.” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 133, No. 12, pp. 1622–1625, DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241 (2007)133:12(1622).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peila, D. Picchio, A., and Chieregato, A. (2013). “Earth pressure balance tunnelling in rock masses: Laboratory feasibility study of the conditioning process.” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 35, pp. 55–66, DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2012.11.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sagaseta, C. (1987). “Analysis of undraind soil deformation due to ground loss.” Discussion: Géotechnique, Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 301–320.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sagaseta, C. (1988). “Analysis of undrained soil deformation due to ground loss.” Géotechnique, Vol. 38, No. 4, pp. 647–649.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, B. (1969). “A method of estimating surface settlement above tunnels constructed in soft ground.” Can Geotech J, Vol. 20, pp. 11–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sugiyama, T., Hagiwara, T., Nomoto, T., Nomoto, M., Ano, Y., and Mair, R. J. (1999). “Observations of ground movements during tunnel construction by slurry shield method at the Docklands Light Railway Lewisham extension east London.” Soils and Foundations, Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 99–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Teng, L. and Zhang H. (2012). “Meso-Macro analysis of surface settlement characteristics during shield tunneling in sandy cobble ground.” Rock and Soil Mechanics, Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 1141–1150. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Verruijt, A. and Booker, J. (1996). “Surface settlements due to deformation of a tunnel in an elastic half plane.” Géotechnique, Vol. 46, pp. 753–756, DOI: 10.1680/geot.1998.48.5.709.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vinai, R., Oggeri, C., and Peila, D. (2008). “Soil conditioning of sand for EPB applications: A laboratory research.” Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 308–317, DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2007.04.010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vorster, T. E., Klar, A., Soga, K., and Mair, R. J. (2005). “Estimating the effects of tunneling on existing pipelines.” Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 131, No. 11, pp. 1399–1410, DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2005)131:11(1399).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, H. H., Xu, Q. W., Liao, S. M., Fu, D. M., and Yu, N. (2006). “Experimental study on working parameters of EPB shield machine.” Yantu Gongcheng Xuebao (Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering), Vol. 28, No. 5, pp. 553–557. (In Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Transportation Tunnel Engineering, Ministry of Education, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China

    Yong Fang, Chuan He & Zhigang Yao

  2. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, 80401, USA

    Ali Nazem & Jacob Grasmick

Authors
  1. Yong Fang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chuan He
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ali Nazem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zhigang Yao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jacob Grasmick
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yong Fang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fang, Y., He, C., Nazem, A. et al. Surface settlement prediction for EPB shield tunneling in sandy ground. KSCE J Civ Eng 21, 2908–2918 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-017-0989-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-017-0989-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation