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Use of Terzaghi’s Superposition Approach for Estimating Critical Supporting Pressures in Circular Tunnels

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Abstract

In this short note, we investigate the practical uses of three stability factors to estimate critical radial pressures acting on the inner face of circular tunnels to maintain soil stability. The primary analysis method adopted is a conventional equation based on the soil property, surcharge loading and soil unit weight that is analogous to the traditional Terzaghi’s bearing capacity factors (Nc, Ns and Nγ). The recently developed advanced finite element limit analysis (FELA) of upper and lower bounds and nonlinear programming technique is employed to determine the rigorous solutions of stability factors (Fc, Fs and Fγ) for tunnel stability designs, which are functions of tunnel depth ratio (C/D) and soil internal friction angle (ϕ). Numerical results are compared and validated by using available published results in the literature. Several examples are illustrated on how to use the factors to estimate internal tunnel support pressures in practices.

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Data Availability

All data, models or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation Fundamental Fund fiscal year 2023.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia

    Jim Shiau & Fadhil Al-Asadi

  2. Research Unit in Sciences and Innovative Technologies for Civil Engineering Infrastructures, Department of Civil Engineering, Thammasat School of Engineering, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand

    Suraparb Keawsawasvong

Authors
  1. Jim Shiau
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  2. Suraparb Keawsawasvong
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  3. Fadhil Al-Asadi
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Correspondence to Suraparb Keawsawasvong.

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Shiau, J., Keawsawasvong, S. & Al-Asadi, F. Use of Terzaghi’s Superposition Approach for Estimating Critical Supporting Pressures in Circular Tunnels. Transp. Infrastruct. Geotech. 11, 283–302 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40515-023-00282-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40515-023-00282-6

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