Experimental investigation of the effect of ground surcharge on the structural behavior of a quasi-rectangular tunnel

Abstract

The infrastructure in the urban core area is becoming increasingly dense, leading to restrictions on intensive development; however, there is a lack of adequate research on the structural mechanics of quasi-rectangular pipe jacking tunnels. This paper presents an experimental investigation that was conducted to analyze the impact of ground surcharge on the structural behavior of a quasi-rectangular tunnel located at Jing’an Temple station of Shanghai Rail Transit Line 14. The experimental setup included a scaled-down model of a quasi-rectangular tunnel, which was considered to be typical of underground structures. A series of tests were carried out by applying varying surcharge loads and eccentricities on the ground surface located above the tunnel. The tunnel structure’s response was monitored and analyzed through the use of earth pressure gauges, displacement sensors, and strain gauges. The experimental results revealed that ground surcharge on existing tunnels is mainly influenced by eccentricity and depth, with distinct effects at zero eccentricity and increasing eccentricity. Shallow tunnel burial depths intensify the impact of ground surcharge on the tunnel structure.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

quasi-rectangular pipe jacking / ground surcharge / model test / safety assessment / intensive construction technology

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