Interaction of longitudinal surface settlements for twin tunnels in shallow and soft soils: the case of Istanbul Metro

Increasing demands on infrastructures increases the attention on shallow soft ground tunneling methods in urbanized areas. Especially, in metro tunnel excavations, it is important to control the surface settlements observed before and after excavation, which may cause damage to surface structures. To solve this problem, earth pressure balance machines (EPBMs) have widely been used throughout the world. This study focuses on surface settlement measurements, the interaction of twin tunnel surface settlement, and the relationship between shield parameters and surface settlement for parallel tunnels using EPBM shields in clay and sand soils. In this study, the tunnels were excavated using two EPBMs. The tunnels were 6.5 m in diameter, as twin tubes with a 14 m distance from center to center. The EPBM in the first tube followed about 100 m behind the other tube. Segmental lining with 1.4 m of length was employed as a final support. The results from this study showed that (1) the most important parameters for the maximum surface settlements are the face pressure and backfill; (2) in twin tunnel excavation with EPBM for longitudinal profile, the settlement rate reached its peak value when the shield came to the monitoring section and this peak value continued until the shield passed the monitoring section; (3) every shield affected the other tunnel’s longitudinal surface settlement profile by approximately 35–36.8 %; (4) S _A, S _B and S _C values were found to be 38.0, 35.8 and 26.2 %, respectively for an EPBM, and (5) ensuring good construction quality is a very effective way to control face stability and minimize surface settlement.     

Surface settlement predictions for Istanbul Metro tunnels excavated by EPB-TBM

In this study, short-term surface settlements are predicted for twin tunnels, which are to be excavated in the chainage of 0 + 850 to 0 + 900 m between the Esenler and Kirazlı stations of the Istanbul Metro line, which is 4 km in length. The total length of the excavation line is 21.2 km between Esenler and Basaksehir. Tunnels are excavated by employing two earth pressure balance (EPB) tunnel boring machines (TBMs) that have twin tubes of 6.5 m diameter and with 14 m distance from center to center. The TBM in the right tube follows about 100 m behind the other tube. Segmental lining of 1.4 m length is currently employed as the final support. Settlement predictions are performed with finite element method by using Plaxis finite element program. Excavation, ground support and face support steps in FEM analyses are simulated as applied in the field. Predictions are performed for a typical geological zone, which is considered as critical in terms of surface settlement. Geology in the study area is composed of fill, very stiff clay, dense sand, very dense sand and hard clay, respectively, starting from the surface. In addition to finite element modeling, the surface settlements are also predicted by using semi-theoretical (semi-empirical) and analytical methods. The results indicate that the FE model predicts well the short-term surface settlements for a given volume loss value. The results of semi-theoretical and analytical methods are found to be in good agreement with the FE model. The results of predictions are compared and verified by field measurements. It is suggested that grouting of the excavation void should be performed as fast as possible after excavation of a section as a precaution against surface settlements during excavation. Face pressure of the TBMs should be closely monitored and adjusted for different zones.     

A new approach for estimating the transverse surface settlement curve for twin tunnels in shallow and soft soils

Increasing demand on infrastructures has led to increased attention to shallow soft ground tunneling methods in urbanized areas. Especially in metro tunnel excavations, it is important to control the surface settlements which are observed before and after excavation, which may cause damage to surface structures. Unlike motorway, sewage and other infrastructure tunnels, metro tunnels generally have to be excavated as twin tunnels and must have a larger diameter. Metro tunnels also have shallow depth. Due to their shallow depth, metro tunnels generally have been constructed in weak rocks or weak soils in cities. The construction of twin tunnels will generate ground movements which have the potential to cause damage to existing surface and subsurface structures. To solve this settlement problem, experts have used the Earth pressure balance machine (EPBM) and the slurry balance machine. In such excavations, especially in twin tunnels, the main challenges for constructers are estimating the maximum surface settlement, controlling the interaction of transverse surface settlement and shaping the settlement curve. Incorrect estimation of these parameters can lead to significant problems above the tunnels and in nearby structures. This paper focuses on surface settlement measurements, on the interaction of twin tunnel transverse surface settlement and on the relationship between shield parameters and transverse surface settlement for parallel tunnels using EPBM shields in clay and sand soils in shallow depth. Also, a new equation is proposed for estimating the transverse settlement curve of twin tunnels. The results from this proposed equation are compared with the results of field observations. The transverse settlement curve values obtained from the proposed equation have good agreement with the actual results for the Otogar–Kirazli metro case studies.     

Calculation of surface settlements caused by EPBM tunneling using artificial neural network, SVM, and Gaussian processes

Increasing demand on infrastructures increases attention to shallow soft ground tunneling methods in urbanized areas. Especially in metro tunnel excavations, due to their large diameters, it is important to control the surface settlements observed before and after excavation, which may cause damage to surface structures. In order to solve this problem, earth pressure balance machines (EPBM) and slurry balance machines have been widely used throughout the world. There are numerous empirical, analytical, and numerical analysis methods that can be used to predict surface settlements. But substantially fewer approaches have been developed for artificial neural network-based prediction methods especially in EPBM tunneling. In this study, 18 different parameters have been collected by municipal authorities from field studies pertaining to EPBM operation factors, tunnel geometric properties, and ground properties. The data source has a preprocess phase for the selection of the most effective parameters for surface settlement prediction. This paper focuses on surface settlement prediction using three different methods: artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and Gaussian processes (GP). The success of the study has decreased the error rate to 13, 12.8, and 9, respectively, which is relatively better than contemporary research.     

Class A predictions of a NATM tunnel in stiff clay

The paper demonstrates the application of a hypoplastic model in class A predictions of a NATM tunnel in an urban environment. The tunnel, excavated in a stiff clay, is 14 m wide with 6 m to 21 m of overburden thickness. The constitutive model was calibrated using laboratory data (oedometric and triaxial tests) and the parameters were optimised using monitoring data from an exploratory drift. Based on the optimised data set, the future tunnel was simulated. After the tunnel excavation, it could be concluded that the model predicted correctly surface settlements, surface horizontal displacements, and the distribution of vertical displacements with depth. It overpredicted horizontal displacements in the vicinity of the tunnel.     

地下水开采引起的次压缩对隧道长期沉降的影响

软土地区盾构隧道建成后往往伴随有明显的长期沉降,较大的隧道沉降会严重影响地铁系统的运营及安全。然而,目前对于软土地区隧道长期沉降机制的认识尚不明确。以上海地区地铁盾构隧道1999－2007年间的隧道沉降为例,通过室内试验及现场监测对引起隧道长期沉降的因素,特别对地下水开采引起的软土及砂土层次压缩进行了研究。结果表明,第4含水砂层具有明显的次压缩特性,抽取地下水引起的第4含水层的压缩,特别是其次压缩变形,是引起隧道长期沉降的主要原因之一。因此,严格控制该承压含水层地下水开采是目前缓解上海地铁隧道长期沉降的主要措施。     

平行小净距盾构与CRD法黄土地铁隧道施工力学研究

西安轨道交通工程是目前首例在我国黄土地区修建的地铁隧道,一号线枣园北路站至汉城路站K12+792.744～K12+889.899区间隧道为同时满足双线正常行车和右线停车线扩大断面的功能需要,选取了左线小断面隧道为盾构法与右线大断面隧道为CRD法相结合的施工方案。针对该地铁隧道的施工过程,进行了三维动态数值模拟和施工力学分析,通过分析施工引起的地表变形、中间土体应力和围岩塑性区的特征和规律,从而研究得出CRD法与盾构法隧道先后施工相互影响的规律性成果：先行大断面隧道采取CRD法施工对后行小断面盾构隧道上方地表沉降的影响较后者对前者的影响大;后行隧道的贯通使得先行隧道开挖形成的地表变形轴线向后行隧道侧偏移了约0.5倍净距,并且地表变形的横向影响范围和地表沉降量均有增大,主要表现在靠后行隧道一侧;先行大断面隧道的开挖较后者对中间土体应力影响大,对相邻洞土体的影响在同掌子面处最为显著。结合西安地铁隧道工程实践开展的数值模拟分析研究,可为今后在黄土地区修建地铁隧道提供具有指导意义的研究成果和宝贵的工程实践经验。     

邻近建筑物的暗挖隧道施工数值模拟

软土中采用暗挖法开挖隧道往往会引起土体变形,由于城市中暗挖隧道多建在建筑物高度集中的地区,土体变形对邻近既有建筑物的损伤不容忽视。采用二维有限元方法对邻近中、低层建筑物(采用整体基础)工况下的暗挖隧道施工进行了模拟和分析,建筑物长15 m。研究结果表明：建筑物的存在会增大隧道开挖引起的地面沉降和衬砌的受力与变形,同时隧道开挖也会使邻近建筑物产生附加应力和变形。当隧道轴线与建筑物轴线的水平距离 0 m时,建筑物相对安全;当 时,建筑物会产生朝向隧道一侧的倾斜。当 为2.5～20 m时,产生较大的地面沉降,建筑物的首尾沉降差较大,建筑物较危险;当 为30～40 m时,建筑物的存在对隧道施工的影响较小;当 40 m时,建筑物的存在对隧道施工的影响可以忽略不计。由于基础的存在,建筑物的最大弯矩、轴力和剪力的变化量较小,增大量在10 %以内。     

Comparison of NATM and umbrella arch method in terms of cost,completion time,and deformation

In all kinds of tunnel excavations, especially those excavated in cities, it is important to control surface settlements and prevent damage to the surface and subsurface structures. For this purpose, in weak rocks and soils, the umbrella arch method (UAM) has been used in addition to the new Austrian tunneling method (NATM). NATM and UAM are the best-known classical methods used in tunnel excavation. In classical tunneling, NATM is usually preferred in normal rocks. However, in some cases, NATM may be insufficient. UAM is a very effective alternative especially in soils and weak rocks. In soil and weak rocks, UAM is especially necessary to prevent excessive deformations. Selection of UAM or NATM is based on the following factors: cost comparison of NATM and UAM, allowable deformations, quality of rock or soil, application time of NATM and UAM, availability of skilled workers, and qualification level of the workers. Therefore, selecting the excavation method in these kinds of grounds is vital in terms of achieving the project goals in time, managing the project costs effectively, and controlling the probable deformations on nearby structures. A critical issue in successful tunneling application is the ability to evaluate and predict the deformations, costs, and project time. In this paper, application times, costs, and deformation effects are compared between NATM and UAM in sensitive regions at the Uskudar-Umraniye-Cekmekoy metro project (UUCMP). Also, efficiency of the deformation control of UAM is demonstrated by using the 2D numerical analysis method. UUCMP is part of the Istanbul metro network. The tunnels have a cross section of 75.60 m² for NATM and 83.42 m² for UAM. Geology in this section is composed of weak sandstone. Diabase and andesite dykes are also rarely observed. This study shows that the construction cost of UAM are 1.7 times more expensive than NATM. Although application time of UAM is 2.5 times longer than NATM, it is 2.5 times more efficient in controlling the deformations. This efficiency in controlling the deformations is confirmed via two-dimensional numerical analyses.     

盾构地铁隧道穿越既有铁路桥的沉降分析

HTSS以大连地铁2号线香沙区间盾构隧道下穿铁路桥特殊地段为依托,通过三维有限元程序仿真模拟以及工程现场动态监测,研究盾构施工法对周围地层变形的影响和盾构下穿铁路桥造成的沉降特征。结果表明:盾构开挖引起的地表沉降经历了5个阶段,即初期扰动沉降、开挖面前部沉降、盾构机正上方沉降、盾构通过沉降、后期固结沉降;地表沉降整体为一个凹槽形,即隧道中心线地表沉降大,隧道两边沉降较小,按隧道横截面轴线左右对称,符合地表沉降机理,并与现场监测数据一致;距离开挖隧道越近,总体沉降位移越大,盾构开挖小于20 m时,其沉降位移沿着横向与纵向都有扩展,隧道开挖至40 m时,沉降位移主要沿着纵向扩展,横向扩展不明显;不同深度的上部土体沉降呈漏斗形,即隧道正上方沉降最大,两边沉降递减,沉降曲线基本对称,地表右侧受右线隧道开挖影响,沉降量略大于左侧;桥桩底端处于隧道拱顶上,且整个桩身处于破裂面之上,属于短桩范畴,桥桩变形主要以受土体作用而产生的竖向沉降变形为主。     

真空管井复合降水技术的试验分析

在基坑开挖工过程中,经常会遇到弱透水性的饱和含水层,普通管井降水技术无法对其进行有效疏干,出现的残留水会对基坑安全造成重大影响,特别是地铁暗挖施工的站体及区间隧道。真空管井复合降水技术的新思路能够彻底改变这一局面,它能有效解决粘性土、饱和粉土和界面残留水的疏干难题,大大降低暗挖结构施工的危险性。     

基坑开挖对临近地铁隧道影响的两阶段分析方法

城市高层建筑施工中进行基坑开挖必然引起周围地层移动,从而造成临近地铁隧道纵向不均匀沉降,最终对地铁正常运营产生严重影响。针对目前该领域存在的三维有限元建模复杂及计算耗时的缺点,考虑基坑开挖引起的坑底和四周坑壁土体同时卸荷产生的影响,提出了基坑开挖对临近地铁隧道纵向变形影响的两阶段分析方法。首先计算基坑开挖作用在地铁隧道上的附加荷载,然后基于Winkler地基模型建立地铁隧道纵向变形影响的基本微分方程,根据Galerkin方法将该方程转换为一维有限元方程进行计算,同时研究了不同隧道埋深、距离基坑开挖现场远近、不同地基土质和不同隧道外径等因素对隧道纵向变形的影响。结合大型三维有限元数值模拟以及现场实测数据将计算结果进行了对比,得到较好的一致性。成果可为合理制定基坑开挖对临近地铁隧道的保护措施提供一定的理论依据     

南京德基广场二期基坑支护设计

南京德基广场二期工程位于南京市中心区域,主楼区普遍开挖深度21.50m,附楼区普遍开挖深度19.70m,基坑开挖深度较深,基坑面积巨大.本文通过分析该工程的建筑结构方案、场地的工程地质条件和水文地质条件、周边环境等因素,提出了基坑周边全部采用两墙合一的地下连续墙作为基坑围护结构,并且附楼逆作法施工,结合主楼顺作法施工的设计方案.在此基础上,本文提出了相应的地铁隧道保护措施.另外本文采用通用有限元分析软件,取邻近地铁侧的典型剖面计算基坑开挖对地铁隧道的影响,计算结果显示该工程采用逆作法施工对周围环境影响较小,能满足地铁运营对隧道变形提出的要求.本文对采用逆作法施工的工程具有一定的指导意义.     

地铁双隧道施工引起地表沉降及变形的随机预测方法

地铁施工引起地表沉降及变形的预测和控制是一个有待于深入研究的重要课题。地铁区间隧道大多为近距离的双孔平行隧道,两隧道开挖引起的地表沉降及变形往往相互叠加,导致沉降及变形预测更加困难。以随机介质理论为基础,对预测公式进行了改进,实现了双孔平行隧道施工引起的地表沉降、水平位移、水平变形、倾斜、曲率预测,研发了城市隧道开挖引起的地表沉降及变形预测系统。对多处双孔平行隧道工程进行了理论预测与验证,实测沉降证明了理论方法与预测系统的科学性和有效性。     

广州岩溶地区深基坑开挖对周围环境影响的研究

以广州地铁9号线在岩溶地区施工深基坑为例,研究岩溶地层基坑施工对周围环境的影响。该车站基坑长259.7 m,宽18.7 m,深15.8 m。基坑深度范围内包括溶洞和砂层,溶洞地层富水、稳定性差、物理力学性质差,砂层厚0～15 m,有较大的渗透性,基坑施工过程中对地下连续墙的侧向位移和地面沉降进行了监测。监测结果表明,基坑开挖结束时地下连续墙的最大侧向位移为12 mm,地面沉降的最大值为10.1 mm,基坑开挖过程中对周围环境的影响很小。研究成果可为今后类似工程施工提供经验借鉴。     

基坑全过程开挖及邻近地铁隧道变形实测分析

根据邻近已运营地铁隧道的基坑工程监测数据,对基坑开挖全阶段施工过程的深层土体侧向位移与邻近地铁隧道变形之间的规律展开研究,探讨基坑开挖的施工危险节点与重点影响区域。研究发现,基坑开挖前期围护结构施工和降水均对地层和邻近地铁产生了不容忽视的初始位移影响,围护结构长时间无支撑暴露是基坑侧移快速增长的危险时段;基坑开挖具有空间效应,中部侧向变形要大于边角,且单向开挖易造成后挖区土体的位移场和应力场叠加,引起邻近隧道的最大变形向后挖区偏移;基坑开挖深度与邻近地铁埋深相近时,隧道结构产生显著的水平位移和“横鸭蛋”式收敛变形,竖向位移波动不大;深层土体侧移曲线表现为“阶梯鼓肚形”,土体最大水平位移与隧道变形在小范围内呈线性关系,但随着侧移量的增大,隧道变形发生偏离拟合曲线的超线性增长,在工程中应值得关注。     

Grey correlation-hierarchical analysis for metro-caused settlement

Monitoring Shanghai metro tunnels and their surroundings indicates that the maximum settlement caused by metro operation for years has been more than 25 cm in soft soil of tunnel bottom, which has seriously affected the normal operation of subway, and even caused some old house cracking around subway lines. To investigate main influence factors on metro-caused settlement so as to provide the basis for the control of metro-caused settlement, the analytical hierarchy process was adopted to make their weight arrangement. With the experience analogy and grey correlation theory, the grey correlation-hierarchical analysis method was proposed to evaluate the possibility of metro-caused settlement in soft soil of tunnel bottom. The correlation of metro-caused settlement and its influence factors (such as dynamic load conditions of metro, soil conditions, burial conditions of soil prone to dynamic settlement, and hydrogeology conditions) was probed. Taking Shanghai Yangtze River Tunnel project in China (it is now the largest shield tunnel in the world) as an example, the division estimation and the comprehensive evaluation of possibility and severity for metro-caused settlement were also done. The results were observed as follows: (1) the severity of settlements caused by dynamic load of metro in soft soil of tunnel bottom at the same position increases as the speed of subway trains increases; (2) On comparison between the foundations of silty clay and clayey silt, the former is generally more prone to the metro-caused settlement under the same conditions as dynamic load conditions of metro, void ratio of soil, natural water content of soil, burial conditions, and hydrogeology conditions; (3) the grey correlation-hierarchical analysis method is more applicable than grey correlation method for the possibility estimation of metro-caused settlement in the soft soil of tunnel bottom; (4) it may provide the reference for the possibility evaluation of metro-caused settlement in other similar projects.     

Numerical modeling of surface settlements at the transition zone excavated by New Austrian Tunneling Method and Umbrella Arch Method in weak rock

As a result of urbanization all over the world, complicated transportation system have been constructed to supply the need of the public transport. Metro tunnel is the most important effective solution method for public transportation. However, the surface settlement around the metro line in urban areas should be within the allowable limits and it should not damage nearby structures. The tunnel excavation and the support system have to provide a reliable working condition for the workers and the people living along the metro line. Although New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) is a very useful method in tunnel excavation, it may be insufficient in weak rock condition. Umbrella Arch Method (UAM) has been recently a viable alternative in various important areas. In this paper, the results of 3-D numerical modeling of surface settlement at the transition zone in Istanbul Metro excavated by NATM and UAM are presented by using a finite difference code called FLAC3D. The results showed that umbrella arch pipe is very effective to minimize the surface settlement. According to the actual measurement result and numerical modeling result, umbrella arch pipe reduced the surface settlement by 71% and 63%, respectively. In addition, the numerical modeling result represented 79.5% of the actual value obtained from in situ for NATM region and 86.0% of in situ value for UAM region.     

地铁拱顶衬砌上方土体中的隐患的探查

地铁开挖和衬砌之后衬砌背后的空区和因其未填实而导致土层破坏,破坏产生的土体松散甚至发展到地面,是影响地面交通和建筑物安全的重大隐患。地铁开挖时,掌子面前方的岩土分界线、含水层的预报,是保证施工安全的重要工作。笔者采用陆地声纳法进行探查工作,取得了直观的效果。在北京通州地铁6号线穿过京哈（北京-哈尔滨）铁路下方的剖面和沿隧道拱顶正上方设置的长60 m的剖面上,可以看到有3处长2 m左右的空区,上方土体已发生松动。在南京4号线某段沿隧道拱顶顶正上方的一条剖面上50 m长度内就发现了9处衬砌背后空区及土体松动区,都诱发了上方土体的松动,松动埋深为8 m,其中有5处土体松动已达到沥青路面下。开挖时出现坍方的一段剖面,虽然坍体仅达地面下约4 m的黏土层,但坍体旁的土体已松动达到沥青路面之下。     

Excavation Problem in Mixed Ground Conditions at the Kabatas–Mecidiyekoy Metro (Istanbul) Tunnels

Mechanized tunnelling is a well-established tunnel construction method which allows constructing tunnels in various conditions including mixed ground conditions as well as tunnels in vulnerable urban areas. The selection of the excavator suitable for the geological structure is important in terms of realizing an efficient tunnel excavation. Tunnel excavation studies of Istanbul Kabatas–Mecidiyeköy Metro tunnels are implemented as a double tube. Geology in this section is composed of sandstone, siltstone, mudstone interbedded or as separate units along with dyke intrusions. Calcareous clay, clayey limestone, clayey sand are also rarely observed. Between the Kabatas–Mecidiyekoy tunnels includes two types of mechanical excavation methods namely tunnel boring machine (TBM) and new Austrian tunnelling method (NATM). Main purpose of this study is mixed ground and their impacts on mechanized tunnelling. At the end, some issues have been presented which seems to be important for the success of TBM and NATM in the mixed grounds. As the tunnel excavation studies continued, the problem of collapse on the ground surface of Barbaros Boulevard in Besiktas station increased the importance of tunnel excavation under mixed ground conditions.