Ground settlements above tunnels in fractured crystalline rock: numerical analysis of coupled hydromechanical mechanisms

Vertical settlements with magnitudes reaching 12 cm were measured in fractured crystalline rock several hundred metres above the Gotthard highway tunnel in central Switzerland. Such magnitudes of surface subsidence were unexpected, especially in granitic gneisses and appear to be related to large-scale consolidation of fractures resulting from fluid drainage and pore pressure changes following tunnel construction. This paper focuses on the mechanisms involved in the development of such surface displacements and presents the preliminary results of 2-D discontinuum (i.e. distinct-element) and 2-D continuum modelling (i.e. finite-element). Results show that settlements are most sensitive to horizontal joints, as would be expected, but that vertical fractures also contribute to the settlement profile through a 'Poisson ratio' effect. However, these models also suggest that fracture deformation alone cannot explain the total subsidence measured. As such, 2-D poro-elastic finite-element models are presented to demonstrate the contributing effect of consolidation of the intact rock matrix. Electronic Publication     

Measurement and Analysis of Vertical Displacements of Loess Test Section in Jundu Shan Tunnel

The Vertical displacements on the crown during excavation is monitored with WRM-3 type extensometer. Successful prediction of extensive coupes in a shallow buried loess tunnel with a large span is made. The emphasis of this paper is put on the interpretation of the whole measuring process at borehole 2. The relations between displacement and excavation of the tunnel, relative displacements in the ground and the surface subsidence are discussed tentatively. The results indicate that monitoring vertical displacements under this engineering condition is very important to ensure the stability and safe excavation of the tunnel. Finally, some conclusions are drawn that the largest vertical displacement during the excavation of top part (about 1/3 height ) of the tunnel occurred when the working surface was in the distance of 1.2 tunnel diameters from the measuring hole and that the change of vertical displacements was small during the excavation of the low part, which was equal to 30—40% of the largest one.     

军都山隧道黄土试验段垂直位移观测及分析

本文应用WRM-3型多点位移计在军都山大跨度浅埋黄土隧道施工中进行拱顶垂直位移监测并成功地预报了隧道大塌方。重点分析了2号孔位移全过程的实测结果。位移与施工,地中相对位移与地面下沉等的关系也进行了初步分析和讨论。认为在此种工程条件下垂直位移监测是确保隧道稳定安全施工的重要一环。得出了上部(约1/3洞高)开挖最大垂直位移量是在隧道开挖超过观测孔1.2倍洞径内发生,并且下部落底开挖垂直位移变化不大,仅相当于上部开挖最大位移量的30-40％的结论。     

Reversible rock-slope deformations caused by cyclic water-table fluctuations in mountain slopes of the Central Alps, Switzerland

Within the framework of the Gotthard Base Tunnel Project in the Central Alps, Switzerland, geodetic monitoring networks were installed above the tunnel trajectory in alpine valleys. Natural ground-surface deformation recorded in the years prior to the tunneling excavation was seen to contain an unexpectedly large cyclical component of horizontal strain across the valleys, which was seasonal and appeared to be due to elastic processes. The strain is strongly correlated with snow melt and rainstorm precipitation, suggesting the implied rock-mass deformation is driven by changes in water-table elevation within adjacent mountain slopes. The horizontal strains are of the order of 1?C2?·?10^?C5, which is close to the design limits that can be accommodated by hydropower arch dams in the study area. This study investigates these processes in detail and describes a new mathematical model (REROD), which is able to accurately reproduce and predict such natural rock-slope displacements. The model implements a transfer-function approach to predict the valley-crossing strains from rainfall and winter snow height data recorded at nearby meteorological stations. It has been used to estimate and remove the natural strain signal from the net recorded deformation so as to resolve the component due to tunneling.     

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.     

Spatial predictions of geological rock mass properties based on in-situ interpretations of multi-dimensional seismic data

The article presents a statistical approach to characterize and predict engineering geological conditions in the up to 2000 m deep Faido tunnel and Gotthard base tunnel in Switzerland. Seismic investigations were conducted to improve the technology of interpreting seismic tomographic images. Overall, the goal of this study was to predict spacial maps of geological rock mass properties, such as, uniaxial compressive strength or total fracture spacing, by using up to six seismic features in combination, e.g., compression-wave and shear-wave velocities and dynamic Poisson's ratio. Self-Organizing Mapping (SOM), an artificial intelligent method, was used for the purposes of interpreting multi-dimensional geophysical attributes derived from seismic profiles of tomographic images along tunnel sidewalls. The SOM-method was applied in the Faido tunnel to delineate complex physical relations between the geological and seismic parameters. Then, the method was applied to predict geological properties around a segment of the Gotthard base tunnel with unknown geological–geotechnical conditions. The results illuminate that correlation analyses (pairwise parameter classification) are substantially less powerful than the SOM-method (multi-parameter classification) in order to interpret geological features from seismic in-situ data. Moreover, predicted spatial distributions of the total fracture spacing and the uniaxial compressive strength, for example, corresponded well with drill core and tunnel mapping results. The SOM-approach was a helpful tool for practitioners in predicting zones of instabilities and geological complexity during underground excavation processes of the Gotthard base tunnel. It is suggested to use such an interpretation method as decision support for purposes of sub/surface exploration and long-term geophysical monitoring of large-scale geoengineering projects, such as, disposals of nuclear waste and greenhouse gases or geopower plants for renewable energy (geothermal, biosoils).     

近距离重叠隧道盾构施工的纵向效应及对策研究

上下重叠隧道施工时,后挖隧道施工过程对先建隧道是一种“卸载”作用,受此影响,先建隧道的衬砌管片将朝后挖隧道方向变形,但这种影响作用是暂时的。以深圳地铁3号线老街站-晒布路站区间重叠隧道工程为背景,采用三维有限元数值计算和室内离心模型试验相结合的手段,对上部隧道（后挖隧道）施工引起的下方已建隧道纵向变位进行了研究。结果表明,后挖隧道施工引起的先建隧道不均匀沉降主要出现在约掌子面前方3.5D（D为隧道直径）到后方3D的范围内。基于此,探讨了应对这种暂时纵向效应的对策措施,主要包括临时压重和临时内撑。在先建隧道位于掌子面后方(0~1)D、(1~2)D、(2~3)D范围内分别设置20 t/3 m、20 t/6 m、20 t/9 m的临时压重,且在掌子面前方4D和后方4D范围内为先建隧道设置临时内撑,可以较好地减小由于后挖隧道施工引起的先建隧道附加不均匀变形。     

A U-Pb zircon,and Rb-Sr and U-Th-Pb whole-rock study of a polymetamorphic terrane in the central Alps,Switzerland

U-Pb analyses of zircons from the southern paragneiss zone of the Gotthard massif in the central Alps indicate these rocks were derived from one or more source areas ≧ 1400 m.y. old and were strongly affected by both the Caledonian and Hercynian orogenies. Rb-Sr whole-rock analyses also appear to reflect the Hercynian event while Rb-Sr analyses of a metamorphic inclusion and a boudin indicate that these small-scale samples were affected by the Alpine orogeny. U-Pb whole rock data appear to reflect only the Hercynian event; these data, when corrected for primordial lead, furthermore yield an upper concordia intercept of 4500 m.y., possibly resulting from a U-Pb fractionation very early in the history of the earth. A more refined three-stage U-Pb evolution model yields an age of about 4480 m.y. rather than 4500 m.y. for this hypothesized early terrestrial differentiation. Geologically these data emphasize that: 1) the southern paragneiss zone of the Gotthard massif contains metasediments which have experienced the Caledonian orogeny and are at least 400 m.y. old; 2) the Hercynian episode in this region was pervasive indeed; and 3) the Alpine orogeny affected the Rb-Sr and U-Pb whole rock systems to a far lesser degree than the preceding orogenic episodes and apparently did not affect the U-Pb zircon systems investigated at all.     

Surface changes on a landslide affected high bluff in Dunaszekcső (Hungary)

This article presents results from the survey conducted on Dunaszekcs? loess bluff after the last major rotational sliding event in 2008. The study area is a region of 25×30 m located on loess bluff close to the recent scarp. The relative elevation change of the surface was surveyed in 2.5×5 m grid network in relation to a marked base point. The survey was conducted using simple equipment such as analogue theodolite and leveller with regular time interval during a year and control measurements were taken after six months. It was assumed that measurements to the nearest cm are sufficient to recognize vertical displacements of the surface. The study focused on identifying the pattern of general vertical movements for the study area by the relative movements of individual points. Our results show significant cm scale vertical displacements. Most of the grid points have a slow decreasing tendency, but close to the scarp a more significant displacement was found. The main character of the spatial pattern is subsidence, which is more definitive on southern part of the study area than the northern part. Our observations correlate with the broader geomorphological characteristics of loess bluffs along the Danube.     

Displacement analysis of tunnel support in soft rock around a shallow highway tunnel at Golovec

Within the last 10 years Slovenia has been constructing its highway network. The Golovec tunnel, as a part of Slovenia's capital ring is thus one of the most important connections of Ljubljana to the east and to the north. It is a double tube three-lane tunnel in soft rock with small to medium overburden. Its construction, following NATM, caused huge problems to all parties involved. The tunnel support was well monitored during its construction, which gave the authors a good opportunity to analyse the results.The Golovec tunnel is constructed through one of few hills surrounding Ljubljana, of Carboniferous age, consisting of clastic rock: siltstone, claystone and sandstone. Golovec hill belongs to the first of two overthrusting zones from this area, so the rock is strongly faulted.Tunnel monitoring consisted of daily 3-D tunnel tube displacement measurements in 97 measuring sections, and of two measuring sections within the tunnel with more complex measuring equipment, to monitor stress changes and rock deformations around both tunnel tubes. Monitoring of the surface 3-D movements gave us the opportunity to study the influence of the tunnel construction on the surface above it. The tunnel, its geology, construction procedure and monitoring results are described in the first part of the paper.The second part consists of the interpretation of monitored results, with an emphasis on results concerning development and evolution of the excavation-damaged zone in the rock around the tunnel. Back-calculations, performed as a basis for the interpretation procedure, are also presented in this part. Calculations of the propagation of the tunnel destressed zone and stress-field around the tunnel, up to the surface, were performed by means of numerical model with the finite difference method. The evolution of tunnel displacements and their prediction was based on the use of Back Propagation Neural Networks, whose principles are presented in one chapter of this paper. Results showed that the most important, for the final settlement at the surface above the tunnel, was the time of installation and rigidity of the primary support. On the basis of the calculated final displacements, this support could easily be strengthened in a short time, when necessary.     

软岩浅埋隧道施工工法比选

目前在高速公路软岩浅埋隧道施工中均不同程度地出现了围岩坍塌、地表产生大面积沉降等问题。广福隧道某浅埋段,地质条件复杂,断面大、岩性差,受构造影响比较严重,而且顶板厚度比较薄,易发生坍塌、冒顶现象。为确保浅埋段隧道的施工安全,尽量减少隧道开挖引起的地层沉降和围岩变形,采用FLAC3D对4种施工工法全断面法、短台阶法、单侧壁导坑法和双侧壁导坑法进行模拟,分析了4种工法下地表沉降、隧道围岩周边位移和塑性区的变化特点,选出一种技术可行、经济合理的施工工法,得出一些有意义的结论。     

The restoration of thrust systems and displacement continuity around the Mont Blanc massif,NW external Alpine thrust belt

Foreland-propagating external thrust belts may be considered as essentially plane strain phenomena so that displacements can be correlated throughout their linked, three-dimensional fault geometry. This approach has been applied to part of the northwest external French-Swiss Alps, around the Mont Blanc basement massif. Imbricates of basement and cover sequences on the SW margin of this massif restore to a width in excess of 77 km with an implicit shortening of at least 67 km. These displacements can be correlated with those in the neighbouring Helvetic nappes by transferring movements, via lateral branch lines, onto the Mont Blanc thrust. By reappraising thrust geometries, the Helvetic/Ultrahelvetic nappe complex has been restored to a width of 114 km to the ESE of the Aiguilles Rouges basement massif. Displacements on the internal (SE) margin of the Mont Blanc massif, estimated by balanced sections and a restoration of the Ultrahelvetic klippen in the sub-alps, exceed 59 km. Thrust continuity, incorporating the restorations of nappes and imbricate geometries around the Mont Blanc massif, is illustrated on a crude, restored branch-line map which also serves as a preliminary palaeogeographic reconstruction. External thrust systems, to the east of the external Belledonne/Aiguilles Rouges massif, restore to a width of at least 140 km in the footwall to the Frontal Pennine thrust.     

Zeolites in fissures of granites and gneisses of the Central Alps

Six different Ca‐zeolite minerals are widespread in various assemblages in late fissures and fractures in granites and gneisses of the Swiss Alps. The zeolites formed as a result of water–rock interaction at relatively low temperatures (<250 °C) in the continental upper crust. The zeolites typically overgrow earlier minerals of the fissure assemblages, but zeolites also occur as monomineralic fissure fillings. They represent the youngest fissure minerals formed during uplift and exhumation of the Alpine orogen. A systematic study of zeolite samples showed that the majority of finds originate from three regions particularity rich in zeolite‐bearing fissures: (i) in the central and eastern part of the Aar‐ and Gotthard Massifs; (2) Gibelsbach/Fiesch, in a fissure breccia located at the boundary of Aar Massif and Permian sedimentary rocks; and (3) in Penninic gneisses of the Simano nappe at Arvigo (Val Calanca). Rail and road tunnel construction across the Aar‐ and Gotthard Massif provided excellent data on zeolite frequency in Alpine fissures. It was found that 32% (Gotthard NEAT rail base tunnel, Amsteg section) and 18% (Gotthard road tunnel) of all studied fissures are filled with zeolites. The number of different zeolites is limited to six species: laumontite, stilbite and scolecite are abundant and common, whereas heulandite, chabazite and epistilbite occur occasionally. Calcium is the dominant extra‐framework cation, with minor K and Na. Heulandite and chabazite contain Sr up to 29 and 10 mol.% extra‐framework cations respectively. Na and K contents in zeolites tend to increase during growth as a result of changes in fluid composition and/or temperature. The K enrichment of stilbite found in surface outcrops compared to subsurface samples may indicate late stage cation exchange with surface water. Texture data, relative age sequences derived from fissure assemblages and equilibrium calculations show that the Ca‐dominated zeolites precipitated from fluid with decreasing temperature in the order (old to young = hot to cold): scolecite, laumontite, heulandite, chabazite and stilbite. The necessary components for zeolite formation are derived from dissolving primary granite and gneiss minerals. The nature of these minerals depends, among other factors, on the metamorphic history of the host rock. Zeolites in the Aar Massif derived from the dissolution of epidote, secondary calcite and albite that were originally formed during Alpine greenschist metamorphism from primary granite and gneiss assemblages. Zeolite fissures occur in areas of H₂O‐dominated fluids. This is consistent with equilibrium calculations that predict a low CO₂ tolerance of zeolite assemblages, particularly at low temperature.     

The structural history of the Mont Blanc massif with regard to models for its recent exhumation

The tectonic evolution of the Mont Blanc range with regard to its cooling and exhumation history has been discussed and debated over many years and is still controversial. Recently, several low-temperature thermochronology studies have determined the cooling history of the massif in considerable detail and various tectonic models proposed to explain the young and fast exhumation signal established from these studies. Here we present detailed field data from the wider Mont Blanc area and assess possible exhumation processes in terms of these field constraints. Our observations indicate that none of the major faults or shear zones around the Mont Blanc massif (i.e. Mont Blanc shear zone, Mont Blanc back-thrust, Penninic thrust) was active in Late Neogene times and that young exhumation is therefore not controlled by movements along these structures. We demonstrate that the position of Mont Blanc in the bend of the western Alps plays an important role in its tectonic history and that simple 2D models are insufficient to explain its evolution. Interference between NW–SE compression and orogen-parallel extension along the Rhône-Simplon fault system resulted in a complex regional structural pattern, with strike-slip movements on both sides of the Mont Blanc massif. Young brittle faults are predominantly strike slip without significant vertical offset. The young (<2 Ma) rapid exhumation of Mont Blanc is more broadly distributed and cannot be directly linked to discrete faults bounding the massif. The mechanisms driving this recent accelerated exhumation must similarly be of broader scale.     

基坑开挖对下方既有盾构隧道影响的实测与分析

对基坑开挖影响下方既有盾构隧道的机制进行了理论分析。收集了14个国内基坑工程实例,对实测数据进行了统计分析,结果表明：盾构隧道的最大竖向位移均为隆起,且有64%的隧道隆起值超过报警值(10 mm),提出了隧道最大隆起值的经验预测公式;隧道水平向位移较少量测,实测值较小;收敛变形由“水平向拉伸、竖向压缩”向“水平向压缩、竖向拉伸”转变。基于杭州市延安路某地下过街通道工程,研究了基坑开挖对下方地铁1号线盾构隧道变形的影响,对隧道竖向位移、水平向位移以及水平向收敛的实测数据进行了分析,其结果验证了理论分析和计算公式的可靠性。     

穿越不同密实度饱和砂土地层的盾构隧道地震响应三维数值分析

地震液化对隧道结构有重大威胁,且位于不同抗液化能力地层交界处的盾构隧道段更易发生严重的地震破坏。采用三维数值方法研究穿越不同密实度状态饱和砂土地层的盾构隧道的地震响应规律。饱和砂土用一种描述不同密实度砂土液化行为的边界面模型进行模拟,首先通过隧道液化上浮的振动台试验结果验证该本构模型的合理性。其次,应用多自由度连接弹簧表征管片环间相互作用,采用文献中的拼装管片的逐级加载试验结果验证该方法的可行性。最后,建立穿越两种不同密实度饱和砂土地层的盾构隧道三维数值模型,研究相对密实度、输入加速度峰值和交界面倾角对砂土地层-盾构隧道系统动力响应的影响。结果表明,可液化地层中隧道结构位移模式是水平地震激励下产生的水平位移与由于液化上浮效应产生的竖向位移的耦合作用,加之隧道在不同土层中变形存在差异,从而导致隧道呈现扭转的变形形态。在靠近交界面处,隧道整体上浮量急剧变化且该处结构上浮量随着交界面倾角增大而增大,同时管片结构弯矩出现突变,接头螺栓的环间剪切和拉伸位移也显著增加。分析结果进一步印证地震作用下盾构隧道在不同性质饱和砂土地层交界面处更易破坏,在设计阶段应予以重点关注。     

Temperature predictions and predictive temperatures in deep tunnels

Summary Reliable assessments of the underground temperature are needed for construction projects like deep tunnels, shafts and storage facilities. In areas of pronounced topographic relief, special attention must be given to the influence of three-dimensional topography on the subsurface temperature field. Further parameters for the prediction include ground surface temperature, local heat flow density, geological factors (structure/schistosity, thermal conductivity, erosion rate, water circulation). A first prediction was attempted for the planned Gotthard railroad tunnel (NEAT). This tunnel will have a total length of 56 km with a maximum cover of 2500 m. The temperature predictions were calculated, based on the RIMINI topography array, for points at 1-km-intervals along the planned axis. Maximum temperature (conservative upper limit) is about 45°C; the error of the predicted temperatures could be, in view of the uncertainties involved, in general ca. ±5–10°C.Since little is known at present about the deep water circulation system in the realm of the planned Gotthard tunnel, the prediction calculations assume heat transport by pure conduction. Significant subsurface water flow would mainly lead to the reduction of rock temperatures by cold infiltrations from the surface, as demonstrated by observations in the Simplon and Mont Blanc tunnels. In fact, the deviation of actual measurements (performed right behind the advancing face) from conductive previsions should be used as a predictive tool of large water flows which could be encountered during tunnel construction.     

复杂条件下隧道支护结构稳定性分析

以方斗山隧道为研究对象,建立三维有限元数值分析模型,模拟分析了隧道支护结构的稳定性。以距离隧道洞口10 m处断面支护结构为例,分析了该断面初次支护和二次衬砌的水平应力、竖向应力、竖向位移、锚杆轴力及支护结构破坏域等随掌子面推进的变化规律,并对该断面支护结构特征点的稳定性进行追踪研究。研究结果表明,当掌子面与断面间距离小于30 m左右时,随着掌子面的推进,支护结构应力及位移等均有一定程度的增长,其后支护结构应力及位移基本收敛,且收敛值均较小,表明支护结构是稳定的。对隧道初次支护应力及锚杆轴力的现场监测结果及数值模拟结果进行对比分析,结果表明,数值模拟与现场监测结果基本一致。     

Comparison of analytical method, 3D finite element model with experimental subsidence measurements resulting from the extension of the Milan underground

The construction of shallow tunnels induces a state of strain in the soil around the excavation that could cause damaging differential displacements in existing structures near the tunnel. In the last decades several empirical, analytical and numerical approaches have been presented by different authors in the scientific literature with a purpose toward estimating maximum surface displacements along the tunnel axis and the surface-area extension affected by deformation phenomena. This paper reports the results of a study carried out to estimate the values of the surface settlements induced by the excavation (with an EPB-S shield machine) of the new extension of line 1 of the Metropolitana Milanese, constructed in an alluvial sandy area of the Padana Plain. In particular, the purpose of this study has been to compare the vertical surface displacements monitored during the advancing excavation to the settlements estimated by using analytical and empirical formulations and by setting up a three-dimensional finite element model that could simulate, step by step, the different tunnel excavation and supporting phases.