Abstract
In this paper, the effect of seepage forces arising from the groundwater flow on the tunnel face stability was studied for underwater tunnels. The groundwater flow equation was solved and the seepage forces acting on the tunnel face were calculated using the upper bound solution in limit analysis. Especially, the effect of tunnel advance rate on the seepage forces and thus on the tunnel face stability was studied. A finite element program to analyze the groundwater flow around a tunnel with the consideration of tunnel advance rate was made. Example problem showed that the seepage force is greatly influenced by the tunnel advance rate in case of less permeable ground. Finally, a rational design methodology for the assessment of support pressures required for maintaining the stability of the tunnel face was suggested for underwater tunnels.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 273-281 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 May |
Keywords
- Face stability
- Seepage force
- Tunnel
- Tunnel advance rate
- Upper bound solution
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Building and Construction
- Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology