Experimental study of face passive failure features of a shallow shield tunnel in coastal backfill sand

Abstract

Face passive failure can severely damage existing structures and underground utilities during shallow shield tunneling, especially in coastal backfill sand. In this work, a series of laboratory model tests were developed and conducted to investigate such failure, for tunnels located at burial depth ratios for which C/D = 0.5, 0.8, 1, and 1.3. Support pressures, the evolution of failure processes, the failure modes, and the distribution of velocity fields were examined through model tests and numerical analyses. The support pressure in the tests first rose rapidly to the elastic limit and then gradually increased to the maximum value in all cases. The maximum support pressure decreased slightly in cases where C/D = 0.8, 1, and 1.3, but the rebound was insignificant where C/D = 0.5. In addition, the configuration of the failure mode with C/D = 0.5 showed a wedge-shaped arch, which was determined by the outcropping shear failure. The configuration of failure modes was composed of an arch and the inverted trapezoid when C/D = 0.8, 1, and 1.3, in which the mode was divided into lower and upper failure zones.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

tunnel face stability / passive failure / model test / support pressure / failure mode

References

[1] GuglielmettiVGrassoPMahtabA XuS L. Mechanized Tunneling in Urban Areas: Design Methodology and Construction Control. London: Taylor and Francis, 2008, 2–14

[2] Qian W F, Huang M, Sun C M, Huang B, Wang G F, Liu H. Adaptability of earth pressure balance shield tunneling in coastal complex formations: A new evaluation method. Geomechanics and Engineering, 2021, 27: 425–440

[3] Liao S, Liu J, Wang R, Li Z. Shield tunneling and environment protection in Shanghai soft ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2009, 24: 454–465

[4] Sterpi D, Rizzo F, Renda D, Aguglia F, Zenti C. Soil nailing at the tunnel face in difficult conditions: A case study. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2013, 38: 129–139

[5] Chen R P, Yin X, Tang L, Chen Y. Centrifugal model tests on face failure of earth pressure balance shield induced by steady state seepage in saturated sandy silt ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2018, 81: 315–325

[6] Yin Z Y, Wang P, Zhang F S. Effect of particle shape on the progressive failure of shield tunnel face in granular soils by coupled FDM-DEM method. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2020, 100: 103394

[7] Chen R P, Li J, Kong L G, Tang L J. Experimental study on face instability of shield tunnel in sand. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2013, 33: 12–21

[8] Sun X H, Miao L C, Lin H S, Tong T Z. Soil arch effect analysis of shield tunnel in dry sandy ground. International Journal of Geomechanics, 2018, 18(6): 04018057

[9] Liu W, Zhao Y, Shi P X, Li J Y, Gan P L. Face stability analysis of shield-driven tunnels shallowly buried in dry sand using 1–g large-scale model tests. Acta Geotechnica, 2018, 13(3): 693–705

[10] Wong K S, Ng C W W, Chen Y M, Bian X C. Centrifuge and numerical investigation of passive failure of tunnel face in sand. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2012, 28(3): 297–303

[11] Ng C W W, Wong K S. Investigation of passive failure and deformation mechanisms due to tunneling in clay. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 2013, 50(4): 359–372

[12] Liu W, Shi P X, Chen L J, Tang Q. Analytical analysis of working face passive stability during shield tunneling in frictional soils. Acta Geotechnica, 2020, 15(3): 781–794

[13] Klotz U, Vermeer P, Klotz C, Möller S. A 3D finite element simulation of a shield tunnel in weathered Singapore Bukit Timah granite. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2006, 21(3−4): 272

[14] BezuijenABrassinga H M. Tunneling. A Decade of Progress. GeoDelft. London: Taylor and Francis, 2005, 143–148

[15] QiL Z. Study on blow-out face pressure of shield tunnels in sand. Thesis for the Master’s Degree. Hangzhou: Zhejiang University, 2012 (in Chinese)

[16] GB50157-2013. Code for Design of Metro. Beijing: Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China, 2013 (in Chinese)

[17] Li P F, Chen K Y, Wang F, Li Z. An upper-bound analytical model of blow-out for a shallow tunnel in sand considering the partial failure within the face. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2019, 91: 102989

[18] Xu K, Huang M, Zhen J J, Xu C S, Cui M J. Field implementation of enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation technology for reinforcing a bedding layer beneath an underground cable duct. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2023, 15: 1011–1022

[19] HornN. Horizontal earth pressure on perpendicular tunnel face. In: Proceedings of the Hungarian National Conference of the Foundation Engineer Industry. Budapest: Akadémiai Kiadó, 1961, 7–16 (in Hungarian)

[20] BroereW. Tunnel face stability and new CPT applications. Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree. Delft: Delft University of Technology, 2001

[21] Hu X Y, Zhang Z X, Kieffer S. A real-life stability model for a large shield-driven tunnel in heterogeneous soft soils. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2012, 6(2): 176–187

[22] Perazzelli P, Leone T, Anagnostou G. Tunnel face stability under seepage flow conditions. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2014, 43: 459–469

[23] Anagnostou G, Perazzelli P. Analysis method and design charts for bolt reinforcement of the tunnel face in cohesive-frictional soils. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2015, 47: 162–181

[24] Chen R P, Tang L J, Yin X S, Chen Y M, Bian X C. An improved 3D wedge-prism model for the face stability analysis of the shield tunnel in cohesionless soils. Acta Geotechnica, 2015, 10: 683–692

[25] Huang M, Zhan J W. Face stability assessment for underwater tunneling across a fault zone. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 2019, 33(3): 04019034

[26] Zhang X, Wang M N, Li J W, Wang Z L, Tong J J, Liu D G. Safety factor analysis of a tunnel face with an unsupported span in cohesive-frictional soils. Computers and Geotechnics, 2020, 117: 103221

[27] Zhang X, Wang M N, Wang Z L, Li J W, Tong J J, Liu D G. A limit equilibrium model for the reinforced face stability analysis of a shallow tunnel in cohesive-frictional soils. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2020, 105: 103562

[28] Cheng C, Ni P, Zhao W, Jia P, Gao S, Wang Z, Deng C. Face stability analysis of EPB shield tunnel in dense sand stratum considering the evolution of failure pattern. Computers and Geotechnics, 2021, 130: 103890

[29] Leca E, Dormieux L. Upper and lower bound solutions for the face stability of shallow circular tunnels in frictional material. Geotechnique, 1990, 40(4): 581–606

[30] SoubraA HDias DEmeriaultFKastnerR. Three-dimensional face stability analysis of circular tunnels by a kinematical approach. In: Proceedings of GeoCongress 2008: Characterization, Monitoring, and Modeling of GeoSystems. New Orleans: ASCE, 2008: 894–901

[31] Mollon G, Dias D, Soubra A H. Face stability analysis of circular tunnels driven by a pressurized shield. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 2010, 136(1): 215–229

[32] Mollon G, Dias D, Soubra A H. Probabilistic analysis of pressurized tunnels against face stability using collocation-based stochastic response surface method. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 2011, 137(4): 385–397

[33] Mollon G, Dias D, Soubra A H. Rotational failure mechanisms for the face stability analysis of tunnels driven by a pressurized shield. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 2011, 35(12): 1363–1388

[34] Tang X W, Liu W, Albers B, Savidis S. Upper bound analysis of tunnel face stability in layered soils. Acta Geotechnica, 2014, 9(4): 661–671

[35] Zhang C P, Han K H, Zhang D L. Face stability analysis of shallow circular tunnels in cohesive-frictional soils. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2015, 50: 345–357

[36] Pan Q J, Dias D. Safety factor assessment of a tunnel face reinforced by horizontal dowels. Engineering Structures, 2017, 142: 56–66

[37] Ding W T, Liu K Q, Shi P H, Li M J, Hou M L. Face stability analysis of shallow circular tunnels driven by a pressurized shield in purely cohesive soils under undrained conditions. Computers and Geotechnics, 2019, 107: 110–127

[38] Li P F, Wei Y J, Zhang M J, Huang Q F, Wang F. Influence of non-associated flow rule on passive face instability for shallow shield tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2022, 119: 104202

[39] Di Q D, Li P F, Zhang M J, Zhang W J, Wang X Y. Analysis of face stability for tunnels under seepage flow in the saturated ground. Ocean Engineering, 2022, 266: 112674

[40] Di Q D, Li P F, Zhang M J, Guo C X, Wang F, Wu J. Three-dimensional theoretical analysis of seepage field in front of shield tunnel face. Underground Space, 2022, 7(4): 528–542

[41] Ukritchon B, Yingchaloenkitkhajorn K, Keawsawasvong S. Three-dimensional undrained tunnel face stability in clay with a linearly increasing shear strength with depth. Computers and Geotechnics, 2017, 88: 146–151

[42] Ding X B, Li K, Xie Y X, Liu S Z. Face stability analysis of large shield-driven tunnel in rock−soil interface composite formations. Underground Space, 2022, 7(6): 1021–1035

[43] Li W, Zhang C P, Zhang D L, Ye Z J, Tan Z B. Face stability of shield tunnels considering a kinematically admissible velocity field of soil arching. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2022, 14(2): 505–526

[44] Senent S, Jimenez R. A tunnel face failure mechanism for layered ground, considering the possibility of partial collapse. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2015, 47: 182–192

[45] Chen R P, Tang L, Ling D, Chen Y. Face stability analysis of shallow shield tunnels in dry sandy ground using the discrete element method. Computers and Geotechnics, 2011, 38(2): 187–195

[46] Zhang Z, Hu X, Scott K. A discrete numerical approach for modeling face stability in slurry shield tunneling in soft soils. Computers and Geotechnics, 2011, 38(1): 94–104

[47] Zhang Z H, Xu W S, Nie W T, Deng L M. DEM and theoretical analyses of the face stability of shallow shield cross-river tunnels in silty fine sand. Computers and Geotechnics, 2021, 130: 103905

[48] Chambon P, Corté J F. Shallow tunnels in cohesionless soil: Stability of tunnel face. Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 1994, 120(7): 1148–1165

[49] Idinger G, Aklik P, Wu W, Borja R I. Centrifuge model test on the face stability of shallow tunnel. Acta Geotechnica, 2011, 6(2): 105–117

[50] Weng X L, Sun Y F, Yan B H, Niu H S, Lin R A, Zhou S Q. Centrifuge testing and numerical modeling of tunnel face stability considering longitudinal slope angle and steady state seepage in soft clay. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2020, 101: 103406

[51] Kirsch A. Experimental investigation of the face stability of shallow tunnels in sand. Acta Geotechnica, 2010, 5(1): 43–62

[52] Berthoz N, Branque D, Subrin D, Wong H, Humbert E. Face failure in homogeneous and stratified soft ground: theoretical and experimental approaches on 1g EPBS reduced scale model. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2012, 30: 25–37

[53] Di Q D, Li P F, Zhang M J, Cui X P. Influence of relative density on deformation and failure characteristics induced by tunnel face instability in sandy cobble strata. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2022, 141: 106641

[54] Di Q D, Li P F, Zhang M J, Cui X P. Experimental study of face stability for shield tunnels in sandy cobble strata of different densities. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2023, 135: 105029

[55] Di Q D, Li P F, Zhang M J, Cui X P. Experimental investigation of face instability for tunnels in sandy cobble strata. Underground Space, 2023, 10: 199–216

[56] Cheng C, Jia P J, Zhao W, Ni P P, Bai Q, Wang Z J, Lu B. Experimental and analytical study of shield tunnel face in dense sand stratum considering different longitudinal inclination. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2021, 113: 103950

[57] Zhang X, Wang M, Lyu C, Tong J, Yu L, Liu D. Experimental and numerical study on tunnel faces reinforced by horizontal bolts in sandy ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2022, 123: 104412

[58] Lei H Y, Zhang Y J, Hu Y, Liu Y N. Model test and discrete element method simulation of shield tunneling face stability in transparent clay. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 2021, 15(1): 147–166

[59] Ma S K, Duan Z B, Huang Z, Liu Y, Shao Y. Study on the stability of shield tunnel face in clay and clay-gravel stratum through large-scale physical model tests with transparent soil. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2022, 119: 104199

[60] Lü X L, Zhou Y C, Huang M S, Zeng S. Experimental study of the face stability of shield tunnel in sands under seepage condition. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2018, 74: 195–205

[61] Jia Z, Bai Y T, Liu C, Zhang D S, Ji Y P, Zhao H H. Visualization investigation on stability of shield tunnel face with transparent soil, considering different longitudinal inclination angles. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2023, 137: 105154

[62] Saiyar M, Ni P, Take W A, Moore I D. Response of pipelines of differing flexural stiffness to normal faulting. Geotechnique, 2016, 66(4): 275–286

[63] Tognon A R, Rowe R K, Brachman R W I. Evaluation of side wall friction for a buried pipe testing facility. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 1999, 17(4): 193–212

[64] TB10001-2016. Technical Code for Design of Railway Tunnel. Beijing: National Railway Administration of People’s Republic of China, 2016 (in Chinese)

[65] Fang Q, Liu X, Zeng K H, Zhang X D, Zhou M Z, Du J M. Centrifuge modelling of tunneling below existing twin tunnels with different types of support. Underground Space, 2022, 7(6): 1125–1138

[66] Gioda G, Swoboda G. Developments and applications of the numerical analysis of tunnels in continuous media. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 1999, 23(13): 1393–1405

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41972276), the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (No. 2020J06013), and the “Foal Eagle Program” Youth Top-notch Talent Project of Fujian Province (No. 00387088). This financial support is gratefully acknowledged.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 Higher Education Press