Simplified method for evaluating tunnel response induced by a new tunnel excavation underneath

Abstract

AbstractTo estimate the tunnel response induced by a new tunnel excavation underneath, theoretical solutions are proposed in this study. The overlying tunnel is idealized as an infinite Timoshenko beam resting on the Kerr foundation model, then the vertical force balance equation is established. The unloading stress can be expressed as Fourier cosine series and a theoretical solution can be derived. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by a centrifuge test and an actual field measurement, which are extracted from previous investigations. Calculation results from the proposed method show good accord to centrifuge test results and field‐measured data. Meantime the predictions given by the proposed method are more accurate to estimate tunnel response compared with the previous method. Parametric analysis indicates that the volume loss ratio and the vertical clearance between two tunnels, are both significantly alleviate the tunnel response, but the effect of tunnel shear stiffness is slight. The theoretical solutions can be adopted to predict the overlying tunnel response induced by tunneling underneath in real projects.