Centrifuge modelling of twin-tunnelling induced ground movements in loess strata

A great concern for the safety of large cross-section tunnels, which are being or to be built in the loess strata of China, is attracted. Generally, loess is a multi-phase porous medium and develops complex stress and strain variation while executing a tunnel project. Another problem is that the soil surrounding both tunnel arches is subjected to a complex loading due to the double excavation. To obtain an in-depth knowledge of the mechanism of tunnel deformation induced by the twin-tunnelling, we conducted comprehensive centrifuge tests, which can simulate and reproduce strictly the action process of twin-tunnelling. Through the model tests, the response of twin-tunnelling on loess stratum deformation was obtained. The investigations showed that with the increase of tunnel spacing, the stratum deformation distribution near the vault changes from a single-peak V shape to a double-peak W shape. Additionally, the height of the stratum pressure arch effect increases significantly. The settlement of the preceding tunnel is slightly larger than that of the latter tunnel, and the twin-tunnelling effect gradually decreases with the increase of tunnel spacing. Through comparative analysis of the different combinations of tunnel spacing and tunnel interval, the interaction between two tunnels with different spacing and interval during tunnelling was investigated, further optimizing the reasonable tunnel spacing and construction steps, as well as providing reference for tunnel route selection in the loess strata.