Investigation on 3D numerical modeling of tunnel face instability in sandy soils

In tunnels excavated in loose deposits, stability of the tunnel facing has a great importance and negligence about this matter would cause settlement and serious damages. Furthermore, this issue may reduce the arching and require heavier linings consequently. In this article instability effects of tunnel face on tunnel supports are studied by 3d numerical modeling through PLAXIS 3D Tunnels software. This model is compared and validated with the results of some centrifuge excavation experiments. Results indicate that the overburden load of tunnels plays a reverse role on achieve failure zones to the ground surface. So that tunnels with less depth of overhead, are more critical.

کلیدواژه ها:

Tunnel ، instability of tunnel face ، 3D modeling ، settlement