Long-term horizontal displacement induced by shield tunneling in consolidating soft ground

Abstract

Shield tunneling often gives rise to excessive long-term horizontal displacement in consolidating soft ground, posing risks to the safety of adjacent structures. This study investigates the characteristics of long-term horizontal displacement induced by shield tunneling in consolidating soft ground, with the aim of providing practical guidance for optimizing ground treatment strategies. Firstly, a three-dimensional numerical model, validated by a case history in Shanghai, is employed to analyze the horizontal displacement of the soft ground. Comparisons are conducted between the horizontal displacements in normally-consolidated and consolidating cases. Subsequently, the influence of the consolidating state on the horizontal displacement is investigated by numerical analyses. The simulation results indicate that the short-term horizontal displacements follow a similar trend and comparable magnitude in both normally-consolidated and consolidating soft soil. However, the long-term horizontal displacements display a quite different pattern. The maximum discrepancy between normally-consolidated and consolidating cases is observed at the ground surface, where the long-term horizontal displacements of the two cases orient toward entirely opposite directions. The discrepancy at the ground surface increases as the degree of consolidation or the tunnel depth decreases, while it is relatively insensitive to the thickness of the newly filled layer. Finally, an empirical estimation method is proposed to predict the long-term horizontal displacement at the ground surface for shield tunneling in consolidating soft ground.

Keywords

Shield tunnel / Consolidating soft ground / Long-term horizontal displacement / Numerical simulation / Empirical estimation method

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Haibo Wang: Writing - original draft, Software, Methodology. Rongjun Zhang: Funding acquisition, Conceptualization. Fengjuan Tao: Writing - review & editing, Validation. Junjie Zheng: Supervision.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Acknowledgement

This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 52122806, 52308372, and 52338007), and the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province of China (Grant No. 2023AFB554). These financial supports are gratefully appreciated.

References

[1] Benz, T. (2007). Small-strain stiffness of soils and its numerical consequences. [Doctoral dissertation, Institut für Geotechnik der Universität Stuttgart].

[2] Cao, Y., Jiang, J., Xie, K.-H., & Huang, W.-M. (2014). Analytical solutions for nonlinear consolidation of soft soil around a shield tunnel with idealized sealing linings. Computers and Geotechnics, 61, 144-152.

[3] Chai, J., Ni, J., Ding, W., Qiao, Y., & Lu, X. (2021). Deep excavation in under-consolidated clayey deposit. Underground Space, 6(4), 455-468.

[4] Comodromos, E. M., Papadopoulou, M. C., & Konstantinidis, G. K. (2014). Numerical assessment of subsidence and adjacent building movements induced by TBM-EPB tunneling. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 140(11), 04014061.

[5] Dalong, J., Xiang, S., & Dajun, Y. (2020). Theoretical analysis of three-dimensional ground displacements induced by shield tunneling. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 79, 85-105.

[6] Di, H., Zhou, S., Guo, P., He, C., Zhang, X., & Huang, S. (2020). Observed long-term differential settlement of metro structures built on soft deposits in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 57(6), 840-850.

[7] Gong, C., Wang, Y., Peng, Y., Ding, W., Lei, M., Da, Z., & Shi, C. (2022). Three-dimensional coupled hydromechanical analysis of localized joint leakage in segmental tunnel linings. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 130, 104726.

[8] Gu, X. Q., Wu, R. T., Liang, F. Y., & Gao, G. Y. (2021). On HSS model parameters for Shanghai soils with engineering verification. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 42(3), 833-845 (in Chinese).

[9] He, X.-C., Xu, Y.-S., Shen, S.-L., & Zhou, A.-N. (2020). Geological environment problems during metro shield tunnelling in Shenzhen. China. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 13(2), 1-18.

[10] Jallow, A., Ou, C. Y., & Lim, A. (2019). Three-dimensional numerical study of long-term settlement induced in shield tunneling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 88, 221-236.

[11] Karakouzian, M., Avar, B. B., Hudyma, N., & Moss, J. A. (2003). Field measurements of shear strength of an underconsolidated marine clay. Engineering Geology, 67(3/4), 233-242.

[12] Kavvadas, M., Litsas, D., Vazaios, I., & Fortsakis, P. (2017). Development of a 3D finite element model for shield EPB tunnelling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 65, 22-34.

[13] Kwong, A. K. L., Ng, C. C. W., & Schwob, A. (2019). Control of settlement and volume loss induced by tunneling under recently reclaimed land. Underground Space, 4(4), 289-301.

[14] Lambrughi, A., Rodríguez, L. M., & Castellanza, R. (2012). Development and validation of a 3D numerical model for TBM-EPB mechanised excavations. Computers and Geotechnics, 40, 97-113.

[15] Laver, R. G., Li, Z., & Soga, K. (2017). Method to evaluate the long-term surface movements by tunneling in London clay. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 143(3), 06016023.

[16] Lee, K. M., & Ge, X. W. (2001). The equivalence of a jointed shield-driven tunnel lining to a continuous ring structure. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 38(3), 461-483.

[17] Lee, K. M., Ji, H. W., Shen, C. K., Liu, J. H., & Bai, T. H. (1999). Ground response to the construction of Shanghai metro tunnel-line 2. Soils and Foundations, 39(3), 113-134.

[18] Lee, K. M., Rowe, R. K., & Lo, K. Y. (1992). Subsidence owing to tunnelling. I. Estimating the gap parameter. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 29(6), 929-940.

[19] Liu, S., Ju, J., Cai, G., & Liu, Z. (2014). Stress history estimation method of underconsolidated soil by partial piezocone dissipation tests. Marine Georesources & Geotechnology, 32(4), 368-378.

[20] Loganathan, N., & Poulos, H. G. (1998). Analytical prediction for tunneling-induced ground movements in clays. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 124(9), 846-856.

[21] Mair, R., Taylor, R., & Bracegirdle, A. (1993). Subsurface settlement profiles above tunnels in clays. Géotechnique, 43(2), 315-320.

[22] O’Reilly, M. P., & New, B. M. (1982). Settlements above tunnels in the United Kingdom-their magnitude and prediction. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium (pp.173-181).

[23] Ochmański, M., Spacagna, R. L., & Modoni, G. (2020). 3D numerical simulation of consolidation induced in soft ground by EPB technology and lining defects. Computers and Geotechnics, 128, 103830.

[24] Peck, R. B. (1969). Deep excavations and tunnelling in soft ground. In Proceedings of 7th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundations Engineering, Mexico (pp.225-290).

[25] Sagaseta, C. (1987). Analysis of undrained soil deformation due to ground loss. Géotechnique, 37(3), 301-320.

[26] Salem, M., & El-Sherbiny, R. (2014). Comparison of measured and calculated consolidation settlements of thick underconsolidated clay. Alexandria Engineering Journal, 53(1), 107-117.

[27] Schwob, A., Cagnat, E., Chen, S., Chan, A. W., & Ng, C. C. (2019). Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link:An outstanding subsea tunnel project in Hong Kong. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers-Civil Engineering, 173(5), 33-40.

[28] Shen, S.-L., Wu, H.-N., Cui, Y.-J., & Yin, Z.-Y. (2014). Long-term settlement behaviour of metro tunnels in the soft deposits of Shanghai. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 40, 309-323.

[29] Shen, Y., Zhang, D., Wang, R., Li, J., & Huang, Z. (2023). SBD-K-medoids-based long-term settlement analysis of shield tunnel. Transportation Geotechnics, 42, 101053.

[30] Shivaei, S., Hataf, N., & Pirastehfar, K. (2020). 3D numerical investigation of the coupled interaction behaviour between mechanized twin tunnels and groundwater-A case study: Shiraz metro line 2. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 103, 103458.

[31] Soga, K., Laver, R. G., & Li, Z. (2017). Long-term tunnel behaviour and ground movements after tunnelling in clayey soils. Underground Space, 2(3), 149-167.

[32] Song, Q., Su, D., Pan, Q., Han, W., & Chen, X. (2024). Limit equilibrium models for passive failure of a large-diameter shield tunnel face in reinforced soft clay. Acta Geotechnica, 19(8), 5231-5247.

[33] Song, X., Meng, F.-Y., Chen, R.-P., Wang, H.-L., & Wu, H.-N. (2023). Effect of seepage on soil arching effect in deep shield tunnel. Underground Space, 12, 218-233.

[34] Sun, L., Jia, T., Zhuo, R., Yan, S., & Guo, B. (2015). Numerical solutions for consolidation of under-consolidated dredger fill under vacuum preloading. Journal of Coastal Research, 73, 277-282.

[35] Tian, Z., Gong, Q., Di, H., Zhao, Y., & Zhou, S. (2022). What causes the excessive metro tunnel settlement in soft deposits: Learned from a detailed case with factor decomposition. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 81(5), 212.

[36] Wang, C., Friedman, M., Wu, W., Zhang, D., & Li, Z. (2024a). Hydraulic influences on the long-term performance of tunnels: A review. Transportation Geotechnics, 48, 101329.

[37] Wang, J., Gao, Z., Fu, H., Ding, G., Cai, Y., Geng, X., & Shi, C. (2019). Effect of surcharge loading rate and mobilized load ratio on the performance of vacuum-surcharge preloading with PVDs. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 47(2), 121-127.

[38] Wang, Z., Wong, R. C. K., Li, S., & Qiao, L. (2012). Finite element analysis of long-term surface settlement above a shallow tunnel in soft ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 30, 85-92.

[39] Wang, H.-B., Zhang, R.-J., Tao, F.-J., & Zheng, J.-J. (2024b). Study on long-term surface settlement induced by shield tunneling in under-consolidated soft ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 148, 105772.

[40] Whittle, A. J., & Davies, R. V. (2006). Nicoll Highway collapse: Evaluation of geotechnical factors affecting design of excavation support system. In Proceedings of International Conference on Deep Excavations (pp. 30).

[41] Wongsaroj, J., Soga, K., & Mair, R. J. (2011). Modelling of long-term ground response to tunnelling under St James’s Park, London. In Stiff Sedimentary Clays: Genesis and Engineering Behaviour: Géotechnique Symposium in Print 2007 (pp. 253-268). Thomas Telford Ltd.

[42] Wongsaroj, J., Soga, K., & Mair, R. J. (2013). Tunnelling-induced consolidation settlements in London Clay. Géotechnique, 63(13), 1103-1115.

[43] Yan, F., Wang, X., Huang, C., Zhang, J., Su, F., Zhao, Y., & Lyne, V. (2023). Sea reclamation in mainland China: Process, pattern, and management. Land Use Policy, 127, 106555.

[44] Yoo, C. (2016). Ground settlement during tunneling in groundwater drawdown environment-Influencing factors. Underground Space, 1(1), 20-29.

[45] Zhang, D. M., Ma, L. X., Zhang, J., Hicher, P. Y., & Juang, C. H. (2015). Ground and tunnel responses induced by partial leakage in saturated clay with anisotropic permeability. Engineering Geology, 189, 104-115.

[46] Zhang, W., Tang, X., Yang, W., Jiang, J., Zhang, H., & Li, P. (2024). Review of tunnels and tunnelling under unfavourable geological conditions. Geological Journal, 59(9), 2668-2689.

[47] Zhang, X., Huang, T., & Wu, Y. (2023). Soil drainage clogging mechanism under vacuum preloading: A review. Transportation Geotechnics, 45, 101178.

[48] Zhang, Z., & Huang, M. (2014). Geotechnical influence on existing subway tunnels induced by multiline tunneling in Shanghai soft soil. Computers and Geotechnics, 56, 121-132.

[49] Zhang, Z., Zhang, M., Pan, Y., Li, Z., Shen, A., & Zhao, Q. (2021). Mathematical modelling for ground consolidation settlements induced by lining leakage of shield tunnel under train loading in viscoelastic porous soils. Applied Mathematical Modelling, 98, 537-562.

[50] Zheng, G., Lu, P., & Diao, Y. (2015). Advance speed-based parametric study of greenfield deformation induced by EPBM tunneling in soft ground. Computers and Geotechnics, 65, 220-232.