Analysis of Ground Movements Induced by Shield Tunneling

Abstract: In this paper, the role of slurry shield tunnel boring machine main components on ground movements is examined. Tunneling process was simulated using 3D finite difference method. The numerical model simulates the main operational parameters of the shield tunneling process. Advanced numerical schemes were used to model the shield-ground interface and the backfill process including grout solidification. The results from this study shown that: (1) three-dimensional numerical simulations are the most accurate approaches to simulate the complex process of shield tunneling; (2) the maximum ground surface settlements were in the range of 2-12 mm, corresponding to 0.1-0.6% of the volume loss induced by the tunneling process; (3) the most important parameters for controlling maximum surface settlements are the face pressure and backfill process; (4) the retaining wall distorts slightly the shape of the deformation curves.