A novel tunnel waterproof-drainage system based on double-bonded waterproofing materials and its seepage characteristics

Abstract

Double-bonded spray membrane waterproofing materials have excellent waterproofing performance and can improve the load-bearing capacity of tunnel linings, leading to an increasing global application. However, due to the double-bonded capability of spray membrane materials, traditional interlayer drainage methods cannot be applied. This limitation makes it difficult to use them in drainage-type tunnels, significantly restricting their range of applications. In this regard, a novel tunnel waterproof-drainage system based on double-bonded spray membrane materials was proposed in this paper. The proposed drainage system primarily comprises upper drainage sheets and bottom drainage blind pipes, both located in the tunnel circumferential direction, as well as longitudinal drainage pipes within the tunnel. Subsequently, numerical calculation methods are employed to analyze the seepage characteristics of this system, revealing the water pressure distribution around the tunnel. The results indicate that in the novel waterproof-drainage system, the water pressure in the secondary lining exhibits a “mushroom-shaped” distribution in the circumferential direction, while the water pressure in the longitudinal direction exhibits a “wave-like” distribution. Furthermore, comparative results with other waterproof-drainage systems indicate that under typical working conditions with a water head of 160 m and a rock permeability coefficient of 10⁻⁶ m/s, the maximum water pressure in the secondary lining of the novel waterproof-drainage system is 0.6 MPa. This represents a significant reduction compared to fully encapsulated waterproofing and traditional drainage systems, which respectively reduce the water pressure by 65% and 30%. The applicability analysis of the double-bonded waterproofing and drainage system reveals that it can reduce at least 40% of the static water pressure in any groundwater environments. The novel drainage system provides a valuable reference for the application of double-bonded spray membrane waterproofing materials in drainage-type tunnels.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

tunnel drainage / spray-applied waterproofing membrane / numerical simulation / water pressure

References

[1] Gao C, Zhou Z, Yang W, Lin C. , Lia L, Wang J. Model test and numerical simulation research of water leakage in operating tunnels passing through intersecting faults. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2019, 94: 103134

[2] Liu C, Zhang D, Zhang S. Characteristics and treatment measures of lining damage: A case study on a mountain tunnel. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2021, 128: 105595

[3] Xu S, Ma E, Lai J, Yang Y, Liu H, Yang C, Hu Q. Diseases failures characteristics and countermeasures of expressway tunnel of water-rich strata: A case study. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2022, 134: 106056

[4] Xu Q, Zhang S, Li P, Liu C, Bao T. Lining failure performance of highway tunnels induced by the drainage system deterioration. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2023, 149: 107236

[5] Zhang S, Bao T, Liu C. Model tests and numerical modeling of the failure behavior of composite strata caused by tunneling under pipeline leakage conditions. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2023, 149: 107287

[6] Jiang Y, He B, Zhao J, Pei H, Liu J, Wang H. Influence of novel polymer waterproofing membrane on mechanical properties of tunnel lining structure. Construction and Building Materials, 2022, 360: 129579

[7] Coughlan D, Diez R, John C, Alfred S. Crossrail project: Use of sprayed concrete tunnel linings on London’s Elizabeth line. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers—Civil Engineering, 2017, 170(5): 39–46

[8] Jiang Y, Yang Q, Liu D, Sheng C. Application and development of a sprayed waterproof membrane for tunnels. Modern Tunnelling Technology, 2018, 55: 11–19

[9] SaraivaEClementFMahoneyW. The use of sprayable waterproofing membranes in underground structures-concept, design options, benefits and limitations. In: Proceedings of 15th Australasian Tunnelling Conference. Sydney: Engineers Australia and Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2014, 323–331

[10] WuACoppenhallPDaviesA GTraldiD. Sprayed waterproofing membranes on recent SCL tunnelling projects in London. In: Proceedings of the World Tunnel Congress. Bergen: The Norwegian Tunnelling Society Norway, 2017

[11] Pelz U, Karlovšek J. Spray-applied waterproofing membranes in tunnelling: A construction perspective. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2023, 142: 105409

[12] Pelz U, Karlovšek J. Spray-applied waterproofing membranes in tunnelling: Application and research directions in Australia. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2022, 122: 104364

[13] Holter K G. Performance of EVA-based membranes for SCL in hard rock. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 2016, 49(4): 1329–1358

[14] Su J, Bloodworth A. Simulating composite behaviour in SCL tunnels with sprayed waterproofing membrane interface: A state-of-the-art review. Engineering Structures, 2019, 191: 698–710

[15] Jiang Y, He B, Zhao J, Liu J, Wang H. Study on mechanical properties of tunnel lining structure with spray-applied waterproofing membrane. Modern Tunnelling Technology, 2022, 59: 95–103

[16] SuJ. Adopting “less is more” principle for efficient design of composite SCL tunnels. In: Proceedings of the World Tunnel Congress 2022. Copenhagen: French Tunnelling and Underground Space Association, 2022

[17] JungHClementFPillaiAWilsonCTraldiD. Composite tunnel linings, allowing a more cost effective and sustainable tunnel design. In: Proceedings of the World Tunnel Congress 2017. Oslo: Norwegian Tunnelling Society, 2017: 516–525

[18] ITA/AITESInternational Tunnelling Association. ITAtech Report No 2. Design Guidance for Spray Applied Waterproofing Membranes. International Tunnelling Association, 2013

[19] JiangYYangQLiuDShengC. Discussion on application of spray-applied waterproofing in tunnels constructed by mining method based on spray-applied acrylate waterproof material. Journal of the China Railway Society, 2019, 41: 113–120 (in Chinese)

[20] Li L, Yang J, Fu J, Wang S, Zhang C, Xiang M. Experimental investigation on the invert stability of operating railway tunnels with different drainage systems using 3D printing technology. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2022, 14(5): 1470–1485

[21] Li P, Liu H, Zhao Y, Li Z. A bottom-to-up drainage and water pressure reduction system for railway tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2018, 81: 296–305

[22] Li Z, Chen Z, He C, Ma C, Duan C. Seepage field distribution and water inflow laws of tunnels in water-rich regions. Journal of Mountain Science, 2022, 19(2): 591–605

[23] He B, Li H, Zhang X, Xie J. A novel analytical method incorporating valve pressure for the controlled drainage of transport tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2020, 106: 103637

[24] LiPZhangDZhaoYZhangC. Study of distribution law of water pressure acting on composite lining and reasonable parameters of grouting circle for subsea tunnel. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering, 2012, 31(2): 280–288 (in Chinese)

[25] Zhao D, Fan H, Jia L, Song Y. Research on waterproofing and drainage optimization scheme for karst tunnel lining in water-rich areas. Environmental Earth Sciences, 2021, 80(4): 150

[26] JTG3370.1-2018. Specifications for Design of Highway Tunnels Section 1 Civil Engineering. Beijing: China Communications Press, 2018

[27] Ma C, Ma W, Guo X, Wang Z, Xu X, Yu D. Research on water discharge capacity of convex shell type waterproof and drainage board for the railway tunnel. Modern Tunnelling Technology, 2020, 57: 204–208

[28] ShangM. Study on face stability and drainage and waterproof system of tunnel in water-rich strata. Thesis for the Master’s Degree. Chengdu: Southwest Jiaotong University, 2015

[29] Bagnoli P, Bonfanti M, Della Vecchia G, Lualdi M, Sgambi L. A method to estimate concrete hydraulic conductivity of underground tunnel to assess lining degradation. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2015, 50: 415–423

[30] Gokdemir C, Rui Y, Rubin Y, Li X. A framework for assessing tunnel drainage-induced impact on terrestrial vegetation. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2023, 132: 104917

[31] Wang X, Liu L, Fu R, Sun X. Newly developed pressure adaptable concrete lining for high pressure hydraulic tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2020, 105: 103570

[32] Li Z. Discussions on ground water control technologies for tunneling in ground containing rich high-pressure water. Tunnel Construction, 2015, 35: 204–209

[33] GB50487-2008. Code for Engineering Geological Investigation of Water Resources and Hydropower. Beijing: China Planning Press, 2022

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Central South University (No. 2023ZZTS0183) and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 502802002). In addition, the authors express sincere thanks to the editors and anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions that helped to improve this article.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2024 Higher Education Press