Investigation of cracking mechanism of the first tunnel lining during double-arch tunnel construction

Abstract

To solve the engineering problem of the first tunnel lining cracking caused by the second tunnel construction of double-arch highway tunnels, a research method combining distributed optical-fibre monitoring, inversion analysis and numerical simulation that can reflect lining cracking was presented. Optical fibres were laid on opposite sides of the steel arches inside the first tunnel lining. Embedded optical-fibre monitoring was conducted continuously during the second tunnel driving. Based on the fibre-optic strain profile, the lining cracking was deduced and warned in time. The mechanical behaviour of the steel arch was investigated by the inversion analysis, which took into consideration the integrated impact of axial force and flexural moment. A two-dimensional (2D) load-structure method-based numerical model was established, considering the influence of different load distributions in each construction condition. The total strain rotating crack constitutive model was applied to reflect the cracking behaviour of concrete lining in the simulation, and the model was calibrated and verified in the laboratory. Comparative analysis between the simulated strain distribution and the distributed optical-fibre monitoring results was carried out. The deformation mode and crack distribution of the lining were analysed. The cracking mechanism was explained. Specifically, the second tunnel construction led to the loading at the top of the middle partition wall and the release of rock pressure in the first tunnel. Under these load changes, the secondary lining of the first tunnel cracked on the inner side of the top of the middle partition wall owing to tension, and compression-bending failure occurred near the right arch foot. Finally, the influence of the parameters on the lining force was analysed, and a construction optimisation scheme was proposed.

Keywords

Double-arch tunnel / Cracking mechanism / Distributed optical-fibre sensing / Inversion analysis / Total strain rotating crack model / Load- structure method

References

[1] Barrias A., Casas J., & Villalba S. (2018). Embedded distributed optical fiber sensors in reinforced concrete structures: A case study. Sensors, 18(4), 980.

[2] Chen W. F. (1994). Constitutive equations for engineering materials volume 2: Plasticity and modeling. (pp.888-889). Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Ltd.

[3] Cheng W., Li G., Ong D. E. L., Chen S., & Ni J. C. (2020). Modelling liner forces response to very close-proximity tunnelling in soft alluvial deposits. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 103, 103455.

[4] Ding W., Wang X., Zhu H., Yang L., & Li Z. (2007). Defining method for designing load of multi-arch tunnel. China Journal of Highway and Transport, 20(5), 78-82 (in Chinese).

[5] Facconi L., Plizzari G., & Minelli F. (2018). Elevated slabs made of hybrid reinforced concrete: Proposal of a new design approach in flexure. Structural Concrete, 20(1), 52-67.

[6] Ferreira D. & Manie J. (2022). DIANA Documentation release 10.5.Delft: DIANA FEA bv.

[7] Govindjee S., Kay G. J., & Simo J. C. (1995). Anisotropic modelling and numerical simulation of brittle damage in concrete. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering, 38(21), 3611-3633.

[8] Groli G., & Caldentey A. (2017). Improving cracking behaviour with recycled steel fibres targeting specific applications-analysis according to fib Model Code 2010. Structural Concrete, 18(1), 29-39.

[9] Gue C. Y., Wilcock M. J., Alhaddad M. M., Elshafie M. Z. E. B., Soga K., & Mair R. J. (2015). The monitoring of an existing cast iron tunnel with distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS). Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, 5, 573-586.

[10] Gue C. Y., Wilcock M. J., Alhaddad M. M., Elshafie M. Z. E. B., Soga K., & Mair R. J. (2017). Tunnelling close beneath an existing tunnel in clay-perpendicular undercrossing. Ge´otechnique, 67(9), 795-807.

[11] Hou G., Xie B., Han Y., Hu T., Li Z., Yang X.,... Xiao H. (2020). Experimental study and engineering application of coupling perfor- mance between distributed embedded optical fiber and tunnel lining. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 41(2), 714-726 (in Chinese).

[12] Hsieh S., Ting E., & Chen W. (1982). Plasticity-fracture model for concrete. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 18(3), 181-197.

[13] International Federation for Structural Concrete (2013). fib Model Code for Concrete Structures 2010. Ernst & Sohn, Lausanne, Swiss.

[14] Lee J., Yoo H., Ban H., & Park W. (2020). Estimation of rock load of multi-arch tunnel with cracks using stress variable method. Applied Sciences, 10(9), 3285.

[15] Li P., Wang F., Fan L., Wang H., & Ma G. (2019). Analytical scrutiny of loosening pressure on deep twin-tunnels in rock formations. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 83, 373-380.

[16] Liu D., Li M., Zou J., Gao Y., Zhong F., Zhang Y., & Chang Y. (2021). Experimental and numerical investigation on cracking mechanism of tunnel lining under bias pressure. Thin-Walled Structures, 163, 107693.

[17] Lv K., Wang D., & Cui L. (2000). Test research on working behaviour of water-proof layer in composite linings of highway tunnels. China Journal of Highway and Transport, 13(4), 81-84 (in Chinese).

[18] Min B., Zhang C., Zhang X., Wang H., Li P., & Zhang D. (2020). Cracking performance of asymmetric double-arch tunnels due to the voids behind linings. Thin-Walled Structures, 154, 106856.

[19] Min B., Zhang X., Zhang C., Gong Y., & Yuan T. (2018). Mechanical behavior of double-arch tunnels under the effect of voids on the top of the middle wall. Symmetry, 10(12), 703.

[20] Minardo A., Catalano E., Coscetta A., Zeni G., Zhang L., Di Maio C.,... Zeni L. (2018). Distributed fiber optic sensors for the monitoring of a tunnel crossing a landslide. Remote Sensing, 10(8), 1291.

[21] Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People’s Republic of China (2010). Code for design of concrete structures: GB50010—2010. China Architecture and Building Press, Beijing, China (in Chinese).

[22] Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China. (2018). Specifications for design of highway tunnels: JTG 3370.1—2018. China Communications Press, Beijing, China (in Chinese).

[23] Mohamad H., Soga K., Bennett P. J., Mair R., & Lim C. (2012). Monitoring twin tunnel interaction using distributed optical fiber strain measurements. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 138(8), 957-967.

[24] Molins C., & Arnau O. (2011). Experimental and analytical study of the structural response of segmental tunnel linings based on an in situ loading test.: Part 1: Test configuration and execution. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 26, 764.

[25] Monsberger C. M., Bauer P., Buchmayer F., & Lienhart W. (2022). Large-scale distributed fiber optic sensing network for short and long- term integrity monitoring of tunnel linings. Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, 12, 1317-1327.

[26] Monsberger C. M., & Lienhart W. (2021). Distributed fiber optic shape sensing of concrete structures. Sensors, 21(18), 6098.

[27] Prakash P., Azenha M., Pereira J., & Lourenc¸o P. (2020). Finite element based micro modelling of masonry walls subjected to fire exposure: Framework validation and structural implications. Engi- neering Structures, 213, 110545.

[28] Ren B., Shen Y., Zhao T., & Li X. (2022). Deformation monitoring and remote analysis of ultra-deep underground space excavation. Underground Space, 8, 30-44.

[29] Soga K., & Luo L. (2018). Distributed fiber optics sensors for civil engineering infrastructure sensing. Journal of Structural Integrity and Maintenance, 3(1), 1-21.

[30] Sui Y., Cheng X., & Wei J. (2021). Distributed fibre optic monitoring of damaged lining in double-arch tunnel and analysis of its deformation mode. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 110, 103812.

[31] Sui Y., Cheng X., & Zhao Z. (2023). Research on cracking failure process of concrete components using total strain crack constitutive model. Journal of Building Structures, 44(7), 216-224 (in Chinese).

[32] Tinini A., Minelli F., Belletti B., & Scolari M. (2016). Biaxial shear in RC square beams: Experimental, numerical and analytical program. Engineering Structures, 126, 469-480.

[33] Vecchio F. J., & Collins M. P. (1993). Compression response of cracked reinforced concrete. Journal of Structural Engineering-ASCE, 119(12), 3590-3610.

[34] Vinod M., & Khabbaz H. (2019). Comparison of rectangular and circular bored twin tunnels in weak ground. Underground Space, 4(4), 328-339.

[35] Wang X., Schmettow T., Chen X., & Xia C. (2022). Prediction of ground settlements induced by twin shield tunnelling in rock and soil - A case study. Underground Space, 7(4), 623-635.

[36] Ye F., Qin N., Liang X., Ouyang A., Qin Z., & Su E. (2021). Analyses of the defects in highway tunnels in China. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 107, 103658.

[37] Zhang X., Ye Z., Min B., & Xu Y. (2019). Effect of voids behind lining on the failure behavior of symmetrical double-arch tunnels. Symmetry, 11(10), 1321.

[38] Zhang Y., Shi Y., Zhao Y., Fu L., & Yang J. (2016). Determining the cause of damages in a multiarch tunnel structure through field investigation and numerical analysis. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 31(3), 04016104.