Estimation for Primary Tunnel Lining Loads

Prediction of lining loads due to tunnelling is one of the major issues to be addressed in the design of a tunnel. The objective of this study is to investigate rational and realistic design loads on tunnel linings. factors influencing the lining load are summarized and discussed. The instruments for measuring the lining loads are reviewed and discussed because field measurements are often necessary to verify the design methods. Tunnel construction in the City of Edmonton has been very active for storm and sanitary purposes. Since the early 1970's, the city has also been developing an underground Light Rail Transit system. The load measurements obtained from these tunnels are compared with the results from the existing design methods. However, none of the existing methods are totally satisfactory, Therefore, there is some room for improvement in the prediction of lining loads. The convergence-confinement method is reviewed and applied to a case history of a tunnel in Edmonton. The convergence curves are obtained from 2-D finite element analyses using three different material models and theoretical equations. The limitation of the convergence-confinement method is discussed by comparing these curves with the field measurements. Three-dimensional finite element analyses are performed to gain a better understanding of stress and displacement behaviour near the tunnel face. An improved design method is proposed based on the review of existing design methods and the performance of numerical analyses. A specific method or combination of two different methods is suggested for the estimation of lining loads for different conditions of tunnelling. A method to determine the stress reduction factor is described. Typical values of dimensionless load factors nD/H for tunnels in Edmonton are obtained from parametric analyses. Finally, the loads calculated using the proposed method are compared with field measurements collected from various tunnels in terms of soil types and construction methods to verify the method. The proposed method gives a reasonable approximation of the lining loads. The proposed method is recommended as an approximate guideline for the design of tunnels, but the results should be confirmed by field measurements due to the uncertainties of the ground and lining properties and the construction procedures, This is the reason that in-situ monitoring should be an integral part of the design procedure.