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  Finite Element Evaluation of Tunnel-Piled Structure Interaction in Complex Ground Conditions

  Underground tunnelling works in densely populated urban environment can give rise to deformation of the surrounding ground. The ground deformations can cause potential damage to the adjacent structure foundation and lead to untoward structural distresses. In one of the locations of the recent tunnel construction for MRT development in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the tunnel is expected to be constructed beneath an existing viaduct pier supporting the operating railway line. The viaduct pier founded on piles with tips partially located within more than one zone (30° and 45°) where a triangular zone above the tunnel is anticipated. The triangular zone identified is expected to be observed with a large pile settlement as per reported by Jacobsz et al. (2001). Subsurface investigation revealed that TBM is envisaged to be driven through a mixed soil-rock face conditions over an inclined bedrock where the piles are toe-socketed. In the design stage of the tunnel works, finite element analysis (FEA) was carried out to evaluate the mechanisms of ground movement and tunnel-piled structure interaction for this complex ground conditions. The geotechnical challenges that are unique to this tunnelling interface owing to its geological features are identified. The ground deformations and structure responses in transverse direction are predicted using finite element modelling in order to investigate the effects on pile foundation as well as the viaduct structure due to differential movement between piles. Malaysia Railway Protection Act (1998) was used to assess the safety and integrity of the operating railway structure. The instrumentation strategy during the tunnelling work is also briefly discussed in this paper. The results of the instrumentation are compared with that of FEA predictions.

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