Assessing the deformation response of double-track overlapped tunnels using numerical simulation and field monitoring

The unprecedented rate of metro construction has led to a highly complex network of metro lines.Tunnels are being overlapped to an ever-increasing degree.This paper investigates the deformation response of double-track overlapped tunnels in Tianjin,China using finite element analysis(FEA)and field monitoring,considering the attributes of different tunneling forms.With respect to the upper tunneling,the results of the FEA and field monitoring showed that the maximum vertical displacements of the ground surface during the tail passage were 2.06 mm,2.25 mm and 2.39 mm obtained by the FEA,field monitoring and Peck calculation,respectively;the heaves on the vertical displacement curve were observed at 8 m(1.25D,where D is the diameter of the tunnel)away from the center of the tunnel and the curve at both sides was asymmetrical.Furthermore,the crown and bottom produce approximately0.38 mm and 1.26 mm of contraction,respectively.The results of the FEA of the upper and lower sections demonstrated that the tunneling form has an obvious influence on the deformation response of the double-track overlapped tunnel.Compared with the upper tunneling,the lower tunneling exerted significantly less influence on the deformation response,which manifested as a smaller displacement of the strata and deformation of the existing tunnel.The results of this study on overlapped tunnels can provide a reference for similar projects in the future.

Lateral damage mechanism of the double-track tunnel in the mountainous layered soft rock and NPR anchor cable control

Due to complex geological formations,lateral damage often occurs during excavation in mountainous layered soft rock double-track tunnels.This paper discusses the stresses and the damage characteristics of the surrounding rock under overload in a mountainous layered soft rock double-track tunnel through indoor model experiments to provide a basis for the effective control of lateral damage.The experiments show that the conventional support method cannot effectively control the lateral damage due to interlayer sliding.Therefore,the negative Poisson’s ratio(NPR)anchor/cable control method is proposed.And the scientificity and feasibility of the NPR anchor/cable control technology are proved by the field application and monitoring data of the Minxian Tunnel and Changning Tunnel.It is further demonstrated that high preload is the most effective way to control the lateral damage in layered soft rock tunnels.