Development of rational models for tunnel blast prediction based on a parametric study

The empirical models available for prediction of the tunnel blast results like pull ratio, specific charge, specific drilling and overbreak have some inherent shortcoming in absence of any parametric study at the backdrop. Hence, the models use different constituting parameters and provide values which differ widely. After a thorough review of literature and field investigations in the drivages of mines and tunnels some parameters were identified. Those parameters were subjected to Multiple Linear Regression analyses to filter out the most influencing ones which represent the rockmass properties, the tunnel configurations and the blast designs. A parameter called Tunnel Blasting Index (TBI) was conceptualized and was expressed in terms of those most influencing parameters. All the blast results observed during the filed investigations could be well related to a single index TBI. Some adjustments on account of shape of the tunnel and joint orientations, which were not addressed in the available models, are suggested in the developed models.     

Tunnelling in difficult ground: a case study from Dranaz tunnel, Sinop, Turkey

This paper presents a case study of the instability mechanisms, and the excavation sequence, re-qualification and reinforcement methods adopted to pass through a short segment of a nearly 2-km tunnel built as part of a new 55-km state highway in northern Turkey. The instability problems were encountered during tunnel excavation due to the failure to recognize the fact that alteration in stress field and resulting deformation could cause dilation and increase in the permeability of claystone-shale layers and local fault gouge zones, and in turn significant reduction in shear strength. Change in natural drainage pattern and capillarity exacerbated saturation and the consequent strength reduction. The 92-m³ loose material flowed into the tunnel due to the collapse and caused 2.5 months of delay in completion of the tunnel. Longitudinal and oblique cracks observed in shotcrete were attributed to the reduction in modulus upon saturation, which caused a large cumulative deformation of approximately 110 mm at a section about 30 m behind the collapse face.

It is concluded that early detection or prediction of potentially problematic zones (via probe drilling and monitoring) in tunnelling is of paramount importance, especially through mixed or difficult ground conditions characterized by alternating layers, folding, faulting and localized zones of high water pressure. Because mechanical detection methods cannot be fully relied upon, availability of experienced personnel to predict and deal with such instability problems effectively and promptly is the best insurance for successful completion of tunnelling contracts.     

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.     

Undrained stability of a single circular tunnel in spatially variable soil subjected to surcharge loading

The stability of tunnels is an important problem in geotechnical engineering. Most of the previous studies dealing with the stability of unlined tunnels are deterministic in nature and do not consider the soil spatial variability. This study investigates the influence of spatial variability on the undrained stability of an unlined circular tunnel, using Random Adaptive Finite Element Limit Analysis (RAFELA). The effect of spatial variability is investigated for tunnels having two different ratios of γD/c_u, for different spatial correlation lengths and tunnel depths. The results indicate that the effect of spatial variability depends on γD/c_u and the depth of the tunnel.     

Exploration and decision-making in geotechnical engineering – a case study

ABSTRACT

The paper presents methodologies for exploration planning under uncertain conditions based on virtual exploration and Bayesian updating. The process starts with site characterization using existing information to produce geologic profiles. Initial distributions of cost and time are obtained with a Bayesian network model that optimizes the construction strategy for particular geologic conditions. This is followed by the unique step to determine with a “virtual exploration” if additional exploration (e.g. borings) is warranted, and if so, where it should be best done. All this is then applied to the planned Abu Dhabi subway tunnels providing the transportation planners with necessary information for planning and design.     

地层中粉细砂在盾构壁后注浆中的再利用研究

南京长江隧道主要穿越的地层为粉细砂,这种地层具有良好的级配,如果开挖后直接排放易造成堆放环境问题,也造成了资源的浪费。为此,研究了开挖排放的粉细砂在盾构壁后注浆中的再利用的问题。通过考虑地层不均质性--土砂比,研究了各种渣土情况下的浆液性质的变化。结果表明,盾构开挖排放的粉细砂渣土能够满足盾构壁后注浆施工的要求,浆液配方应根据土砂比的变化,快速作出调整,以保证浆液的性质不发生较大的变化。     

Forward modelling and imaging of ground‐penetrating radar in tunnel ahead geological prospecting

Adverse geologies are often encountered during tunnel construction, which could seriously endanger the construction. To ensure the safety, it is essential to detect adverse geologies and their water‐bearing situation ahead the tunnel face. Ground‐penetrating radar is a suitable instrument, but the accurate interpretation of its detection results is difficult. In this paper, at first, an improved back projection imaging algorithm is proposed, which can make reflection waves closer to the real geological boundaries with few artificial clutters. And then, forward modelling of ground‐penetrating radar is carried out for typical adverse geologies, such as karst caves, faults, fractured rock masses, fracture network, and water‐bearing body. Their corresponding response features are obtained, accumulating experience for geological interpretation. The above two methods provide the basis for target identification and geological interpretation. In the last part, the application of the above two methods in several engineering cases are given, and their effectiveness is verified.     

Small fixed-loop transient electromagnetic in tunnel forward geological prediction

Tunnel forward geological prediction is indispensable to tunnel construction. The transient electromagnetic method is widely used in the field of tunnel forward geological prediction. A small fixed-loop transient electromagnetic method adapted to the limited space of a tunnel face is proposed for tunnel forward geological prediction for the first time. This method makes use of a large number of non-central points inside the loop. The obtained numerical simulation and field data show opposite trends owing to mutual inductance and self-inductance. A correction method for the field value of non-central points is proposed. The influences of different parameters are verified and the correction function is established by a test method. The validity of the correction function is verified through controlled field tests. The small fixed-loop transient electromagnetic has been successfully applied to a tunnel under the Weiwu expressway. This method can effectively improve the detection depth and better detect unfavourable geological bodies, such as karsts in front of the tunnel face.     

黏滑断层隧道减错措施参数对减错效果的影响分析

为提高黏滑断层隧道的结构安全性和稳定性,对黏滑断层隧道设置不同缝宽减错缝、不同刚度减错层的减错效果进行研究。研究结果表明:断层黏滑错动对上盘隧道的影响远大于下盘;减错缝对上盘部分隧道结构的减错效果优于下盘,其中上盘减错效果最大为24.50%,下盘减错效果最大为9.26%;减错层对下盘部分隧道结构的减错效果略优于上盘,其中下盘减错效果最大为105.32%,上盘减错效果最大为78.07%;随着减错缝宽度的增加,隧道上盘减错效果变好,下盘缝宽10—15cm减错效果最好;随着减错层弹性模量的增加,隧道上下盘减错效果降低,当减错层弹性模量增加到一定程度（约100MPa）,减错效果趋于稳定。研究成果可为黏滑断层隧道的减错结构设计及施工提供参考。     

坑(井)-地多参数电磁接收系统

坑（井）-地多参数电磁接收系统在地面、坑道、井中三维空间观测天然场源及人工源电磁信号,观测装置接近或穿过矿体,借助动源、大功率发射可获得更加明显的异常值,旨在加大探测深度的基础上提高深部分辨率,同时获取电阻率、极化率、复阻抗等参数.为坑（井）-地电磁成像方法现场数据采集提供硬件设备支持,针对坑道、井中电磁观测的特殊需求,开发了由不极化电极、非接触电极、小型感应式线圈、微型三分量音频磁传感器、地面-坑道电磁接收机、井中电磁接收机等组成的坑（井）-地多参数电磁接收系统,解决了传统不极化电极坑道硬岩表面接地困难和传统感应式磁传感器难以适应坑道狭窄空间的问题;通过多层次的室内、弱干扰条件下野外测试验证了接收系统的各项技术指标,接收机通道全频段噪声水平接近10 nV/rt（Hz）,微型三分量音频磁传感器体积压缩至32 cm×32 cm×32 cm;强干扰条件下的矿山试验验证了接收系统的可靠性、适用性及先进性.