Three-dimensional stability analysis of a longitudinally inclined shallow tunnel face

The tunnel inclination angle (δ) generally exists in urban and cross-river (sea) tunnels; hence, its effect should be considered in the stability analysis of a tunnel face. However, the influence of this tunnel inclination angle is rarely studied. In this paper, considering the effects of the tunnel inclination angle and the tunneling length (L), the optimal upper-bound solutions of the active and passive failure pressures were obtained using sequential quadratic programming (SQP) based on the upper-bound limit analysis. The effects of the dimensionless parameters on the pressures and failure modes were investigated. The results show that the tunnel inclination angle δ and the dimensionless parameter L/D (D is the section diameter of the tunnel) significantly affect active and passive stabilities. The difference in the results between δ = −10° and δ = 10° is mostly greater than 10% and reaches 80% when the internal friction angle (φ) is large. When the value of δ is zero, L/D does not affect on the result. The maximum difference in the results between L/D = 0 and L/D = 5 are 92.5% (passive failure) and 36.3% (active failure). For the active failure mode, with increasing of φ, the curves, which have δ values of −10°, 0° and 10°, intersect at a particular point when φ reaches a specific value.     

Three-dimensional undrained tunnel face stability in clay with a linearly increasing shear strength with depth

The undrained tunnel face stability in clay with a linearly increasing shear strength with depth was investigated by three-dimensional finite element analysis. Three parametric studies were performed to study the effects of the cover depth ratio, overburden stress factor and linear strength gradient ratio on the load factor of the undrained tunnel face stability. The influence of the linear strength gradient ratio on the predicted failure mechanism of the undrained face stability was discussed and examined. An approximate closed-form solution was proposed for three-dimensional undrained tunnel face stability in clays with constant or linearly increasing shear strength profiles with depth.     

Experimental and numerical investigations on hydrodynamic and aerodynamic characteristics of the tunnel of planing trimaran

The planing trimaran possesses distinctive hybrid hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance due to the presence of tunnel. The research described in this paper was carried out based on the observation of wave characteristics of a planing trimaran model in towing tests, in which the resistance drops as soon as the wave surface separates from tunnel roof. In order to gain a deeper insight into the relationship between wave flow and forces in tunnel region, a comprehensive series of viscous CFD simulations considering free-surface and 2-DOF motion of the hull (heave and pitch) have been performed for the tested model at the volume based Froude numbers ranging from 3.16 to 5.87. The calculated results were validated by comparison with experimental data and showed good agreement. Numerical results of wave contours, longitudinal wave cuts and lifting force distributions at the calculated speeds were presented for the analysis of ventilation process in tunnel region and the corresponding variation of tunnel forces. It is found that, for the speeds higher than Froude number of 4.52, the aerodynamic forces provide major tunnel lift and mainly act on the straight section of the tunnel. And, therefore, numerical simulations of two modified models have also been performed for the analysis of influence of straight section length on the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance of planing trimaran.     

Early Stage Characteristics of Macro Engineering and Suggestions for the Taiwan Strait Tunnel Project

Taiwan Strait Tunnel (TST) is a Macro Engineering Project (MEP). Countries all over the world have accumulated much experience on MEPs. To study the early stage characteristics of MEPs would be significant for advancing the progress of TST project. This article summarizes some common characteristics in early stage of MEPs, such as Three Gorges, South-to-North Water Diversion, The Channel Tunnel, Confederation Bridge projects, and so on. Some suggestions on early stage development are given to TST project for reference.     

Prediction of risk in submarine tunnel construction by multi-factor analysis: A collapse prediction model

Abstract

Collapse is a major threat in tunnel construction. How to predict collapse risk accurately and timely is a complicated problem. In this paper, a non-linear mathematical model is applied to obtain the potential risk indices for a submarine tunnel using statistical analysis based on previous submarine tunnels, such as the Seikan tunnel and Xiang’an tunnel. Rough set theory is used to screen risk indices, determine each indicator value, and classify risk factors. Traditional weight calculation methods that are overly dependent on expert experience and other subjective factors are optimized and improved. Based on the frequency of each risk factor, the objective weight value of each risk index is determined according to weight back analysis theory. The ideal point method is used to calculate the collapse risk level. Predictions made by this new method are consistent with the actual tunnel collapse risk levels. This new method provides theoretical and technical basis for effectively predicting tunnel collapse.     

Comparison of geoelectrical imaging and tunnel documentation at the Hallandsås Tunnel, Sweden

For construction in rock a thorough pre-investigation is important in order to avoid unforeseen conditions which may delay the work. It is crucial to remember the results from this investigation in the further work, and use the experience from the construction to update the geological prognosis and reduce the uncertainties. Different geophysical methods have proved valuable tools in such investigations. In this work the electrical imaging is evaluated with regards to the method's applicability. The evaluation is done qualitatively by comparing the electrical imaging with tunnel documentation from a tunnel in Southern Sweden. By evaluating the result continuously when making the tunnel a more detailed geological prognosis can be compiled and used in the continued work with the tunnel. The parameters used for the comparison are lithology, Q, RQD, weathering and water leakage. The result was that virtually every change in electrical resistivity image coincides with a change in rock conditions. The general trend was that high resistivity corresponded with good quality gneiss whereas low resistivity corresponds to poor quality rock e.g., high weathering, low RQD, low Q and/or several lithological contacts. The intermediate resistivity is often amphibolites or rock with water bearing fractures. The results were supported by in-situ resistivity measurements inside the tunnel and resistivity logging in a core drilling. Geoelectrical imaging proved to give valuable information for a detailed geological model, which could be compiled for a section where the tunnel had not yet been drilled as a help for planning of the continued tunnel work. As is the case other geophysical methods it is clear that for the interpretation of data a priori information about the geological setting is necessary.     

Analytical and Numerical Study of the Mechanics of Rockbolt Reinforcement around Tunnels in Rock Masses

Summary  This paper addresses the problem of quantifying the mechanical contribution of rockbolts installed systematically around tunnels excavated in rock masses. The mechanical contribution referred to here is that of increased stress confinement and decreased tunnel convergences as compared with corresponding stresses and displacements obtained for non-reinforced tunnels. The problem is treated analytically first by presenting a closed-form solution for stress and displacement distributions around a circular tunnel excavated in elastic material and reinforced by grouted or anchored rockbolts. The analytical solution assumes that rockbolts are regularly spaced around the tunnel and that axi-symmetry conditions of geometry and loading apply. The results obtained with the closed-form solution are shown to be equivalent to the results of the same problem solved with traditional numerical methods. Based on the analytical and numerical results and by introducing dimensionless ratios that allow to quantify the increase of radial stresses and the decrease of radial displacements in the reinforced region of the tunnel, the paper shows that reinforcement can have a significant mechanical effect (i.e., increasing the confinement and decreasing the convergences) in tunnels excavated in rock masses of poor to very poor quality. The paper analyzes then the mechanical contribution of rockbolt reinforcement when the rock mass is assumed to behave elasto-plastically. For this case, it is shown that rockbolt reinforcement can also have a critical effect in controlling the extent of the plastic failure zone and the convergences of the tunnel. Correspondence: C. Carranza-Torres, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota, Duluth Campus, 1305 Ordean Court, Duluth, USA     

Overcoming Squeezing in the Yacambú-Quibor Tunnel,Venezuela

Summary  The 5 m diameter 23.3 km long Yacambú-Quibor tunnel is designed to carry water through the Andes from the Yacambú dam in the wet tropical Orinoco basin to the semi-arid but fertile Quibor basin in western Venezuela. The tunnel is excavated in silicified and graphitic phyllites at depths of up to 1270 m below surface and extreme squeezing problems have been encountered. Construction involved 8 contracts extending over 32 years with breakthrough being achieved in July 2008. Several excavation methods and various lining designs were used over the years until the adoption of yielding support permitted the Owner and the Contractor to agree that only a circular section would be used and emphasis was placed on developing a routine construction procedure, irrespective of the rock conditions encountered at the face. This paper describes some of the rock engineering issues that were faced during the construction of this tunnel. Correspondence: E. Hoek, Consulting Engineer, Vancouver, Canada     

冰（雪）晶生长微物理过程的风洞实验研究

该文简要介绍了（１）风洞实验研究的科学意义及应用前景；（２）冰（雪）晶增长微物理实验的研究的概况；（３）新研制的冰（雪）晶增长小型垂直过冷云风洞及其测试系统；（４）主要实验研究结果，包括风洞实验模拟出的冰（雪）晶，含水量对冰（雪）晶增长的影响，风洞中冰（雪）晶的运动方式，初始晶胚特性及运用实验结果指导象灾害的预测及防治。     

Simple evaluation of the effect of seismic isolation by covering a tunnel with a thin flexible material

Long-term earthquake observations at different tunnel sites within a variety of alluvial soil deposits have clearly demonstrated that a tunnel, which exhibits rather flexible nature within its surrounding soil, follows closely the motion of the soil mass during an earthquake. Therefore, coating a tunnel with a soft material will be a possible measure for minimizing damage to tunnels. This paper provides a clear perspective on the feasibility of this measure by using simple solutions to idealized problems.