A PROJECT DISSERTATION REPORT

on
“G”

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement of

the degree of
MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY
in
CIVIL ENGINEERING- GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

by

AKSHAY R. MEHARE
MIS No. 122021018

Under the Guidance of

Dr.S.M.Nawghare.

Assistant professor
Department of Civil Engineering, COEP, Pune

Department of Civil Engineering

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING PUNE
Pune- 411005

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 Contents
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 1...............................................................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................................4
1. General.......................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Need........................................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Aim and Objectives................................................................................................................................................5
Objectives...........................................................................................................................................................................5
LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................................................................................6
2.1 General.........................................................................................................................................................................6
METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS..................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Research methodology................................................................................................................................................8
3.1 Data Collection.......................................................................................................................................................8
Table 3.1 Pressure parameters............................................................................................................................................9
Table 3.2 Geotechnical parameters....................................................................................................................................9
3.3 Data Analysis..............................................................................................................................................................10

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 ABSTRACT

Rapid population growth and increasing urbanization contribute significantly to traffic congestion and
limited space in urban areas. Consequently, there has been a growing trend over the past decade towards
constructing tunnel infrastructure to alleviate these challenges. Modern advancements in tunneling
technology, particularly with Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), have proven highly advantageous in
navigating complex geological conditions safely and swiftly. This approach not only accelerates construction
but also offers a cost-effective solution for urban development.

However, tunnel construction can significantly impact surrounding structures and environments. Therefore,
there is a burgeoning interest among researchers in studying ground-induced settlement caused by tunnels
across various geological conditions and tunnel diameters. Previous studies have underscored the critical
influence of tunnel diameter, the ratio of critical depth to diameter (C/D), and ground composition on tunnel
face stability.

This research focuses on assessing tunnel face stability and surface stability under diverse geological and
geometric parameters using a three-dimensional finite element analysis method implemented in Midas Gtx-
Nx software. The study applies the Hoek and Brown failure criteria in modeling and conducts a parametric
analysis on both the crown and invert to analyze displacement, stress distribution and surface settlement. The
findings highlight that tunnel diameter and geological factors profoundly affect tunnel face stability,
underscoring the importance of investigating these parameters during the initial planning stages of tunnel
construction to maximize societal benefits.

Keywords: Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), Critical Depth To Diameter (C/D) ratio, Twin Tunnel

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1. General
Developing countries have to cope up with the increasing population and its growing demand
for open land and transport facilities. To provide an efficient transport system, there is a need
to utilize underground space productively. Usage of tunnels for transportation can help us to
reduce traffic congestion at city centers and efficiently engage underground land while saving
both time and fuel. Tunnel infrastructures have been constructed for a long time using
conventional methods like cut and cover or drill and blast. The method of tunnel construction
is governed by several factors which include site geology, groundwater conditions,
construction cost, and probable surface disruption. In recent times modern technologies,
international standards, codes, hi-tech equipment in tunnel construction are being adopted
and proved to be beneficial.
Advanced techniques of tunneling include tunneling of the single bore and twin-bore tunnels
by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) which results in faster, safer, and cost-effective
construction. Geologically challenging and special projects are now possible because of the
New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) and mechanized techniques like TBM. The basic
advantage of using TBM for tunnel construction is that they are highly safe with low over
breaks, little disturbance to surrounding rock mass and low man power.
Tunneling requires analysis of face stability and the factors by which it is affected.
Numerical methods for tunnel analysis constitute a very valuable supplement in tunnel face
stability analysis. Various analytical methods used for tunnel analysis and design have
evolved since last decade such as finite element analysis, discrete analysis, stiffness matrix
method, finite differential method, etc. Previous studies have emphasized that the tunnel
diameter, critical depth to diameter (C/D) ratio, and geological strata govern the stability of
the tunnel. An accurate estimation of ground-induced settlements, horizontal ground
movements and pressures on tunnel lining are required for the economic design of tunnels.
Three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis method using Midas GTx-Nx was proposed
in this work. Hoek and Brown failure criteria were applied while TBM driven tunnel
modelling. A parametric study had been done at the crown and the invert of the tunnel and
conclusions were drawn for optimized C/D ratio. This research work concludes that proper
investigation of

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geological and hydrological parameters in the pre-planning phase of construction offers cost-
effective tunnel construction work.
1.1 Need

The tunnel construction work for infrastructure development in metropolitan cities provides a
feasible and cost-effective solution. The geological, geotechnical and hydrological
investigation program is required to be adequately accomplished in order to provide realistic
information for economic and safe design and construction of underground infrastructure.
These are the most important aspects which affect the tunnel stability and their study and
analysis is useful from practical point of view. This research demonstrates the effect of the
tunnel size and ground strength parameter on the face stability of tunnels. It also aims at
studying the effect of heterogeneity, water table and preliminary lining thickness on face
stability (of 6.1m tunnel) which can help to improve practical situations that arise during
construction.

1.2 Aim and Objectives

Aim

To perform parametric study for surface settlement of ground while excavationg the varring diameter
Twin Tunnel :Towards analysis and design of underground infrastructure projects using Midas
Gtx-Nx software

Objectives

1. To study various parameters related to tunnel excavation.

2. To study various construction stages involved in tunnel construction work.
3. To analyze ground behavior and stresses on tunnel parameters.
4. To conclude C/D ratio for face stability.
5. To observe the effect of overburden on tunnel stability.
6. To investigate the effect of heterogeneity on the face stability.
7. To observe the effect of water level on the tunnel stability.
8. To observe the effect of lining thickness on tunnel stability.
9. To suggest preliminary lining thickness design for given tunnel.
10. To investigate the surface settlement with varying diameter and overburden cover

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 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 General

According to Anagnostou G. and Kovari K. [1] the geotechnical and operational aspects will
affect the tunnel face stability. Also, the mechanism of face failure is analysed under drained
conditions. Under extremely unfavourable geological and hydrogeological conditions, however,
face instabilities may occur. In this paper, the mechanism of face failure is analysed under drained
conditions. Accordingly, a distinction is made between water-pressure and effective pressure in
the chamber. The stability of the tunnel face is controlled through the combined effects of these
two entities.
W.Q. Ding, et al. [2] concluded that through the FEM analysis, numerical procedures can make
adequate predictions on the mechanical behaviour of complex soil–structure interaction system
such as shield tunnelling during and after construction. The Author also added that such numerical
predictions can enhance the design and construction measures of geotechnical works in soft soils.
He compared numerical results and actual results from the field and concluded that the numerical
procedure can be used to effectively estimate the deformation, stresses and moments experienced
by the surrounding soil and the concrete lining segments.
Guilhem Mollon suggested that the significance of face stability is related to the C/D ratio and
anticipation of ground deformation is important to prevent face collapse of the tunnel. The author
also suggested the minimum value of critical face pressure leads to the verge of collapse of soil in
front of the tunnel face. He also concluded that failure probability is more sensitive to friction
angle than to cohesion of the soil in reliable probabilistic results. The collapse reliability index
increases with increase of the tunnel face pressure. He also concluded that failure probability is
more sensitive to friction angle than to cohesion of the soil in reliable probabilistic results. The
collapse reliability index increases with increase of the tunnel face pressure.
Peng Zeng This emphasizes the importance of an adequate characterization of geotechnical
uncertainties for practical applications. This also confirms that the reliability of tunnel face
stability increases significantly as the face support increases or the tunnel diameter decreases.

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Shilpa Kulkarni [9] analysed the face stability of mega tunnels by analysing the effect of various
pressures such as earth pressure, jack thrust, skin friction between ground strata and TBM. Also
the effect of pore pressure and tunnel lining thickness on tunnel face stability. The author
concluded that the requirement of preliminary lining thickness in mega tunnels depends upon the
C/D ratio. The required preliminary lining thickness is directly proportional to the given C/D
ratio, in soft soil and Earth pressure is a critical parameter to affect face stability of the tunnel,
investigation of which at various C/D ratios is important.
Shilpa Kulkarni [10] suggested the water pressure had critically impacted face stability beyond
two times of tunnel diameter. Adequate application of pressures can stabilize the tunnel at
optimum critical depth. The authors also concluded that the three - dimensional finite element
method is an effective tool to investigate tunnel face stability and Midas Gtx-Nx proved its
effectiveness for it. Michael J. Kawadas [11] claimed that adequate control of ground pressures
ensures a safe and economical structure, well adapted to the inherent heterogeneity of ground
conditions. He also concluded that in shallow tunnels the objective of monitoring the deformation
is to limit the ground displacements to values sufficiently low to prevent damage to structures and
utilities.

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 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY AND ANALYSIS

3.1 Research methodology

Firstly to start with the work, all the relevant literature from various sources was collected and
sorted according to the need. Various books and reference papers were studied and information
was obtained. All the acquired information was thoroughly studied. Appropriate geotechnical
and pressure parameters were considered. The software used for the modelling was Midas Gtx-
Nx. The software and the procedure to create models in it were carefully studied. Models were
prepared and results were compared as well as validated. Conclusions were drawn on the basis
of observed results.

NO

YES

3.1 Data Collection

For tunnel modelling, different pressure and geotechnical parameters were referred from Shilpa
Kulkarni [11] are shown in Table 3.1 and Table 3.2. Other data for soft computing were referred
from authentic sources and research papers.

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 Table 3.1 : Pressure parameters

Sr no. Type of pressure Pressure (kN/m2)

1. Drilling/Horizontal/Face Pressure 200

2. Jack thrust -4500

3. Pressure due to contraction over the body of the shield 50

TBM

4. Pressure due to gap between shield TBM and 1000

the segment diameter

The negative sign indicates that the pressure is applied in the opposite direction with respect to face
pressure.

Table 3.2 Geotechnical parameters

Sr.no Design Rock Rock RCC Steel

parametr (Sandstoe) Segment Grout
(Limeston)

Modulus of 30 e^6 19.9 e^6 2.1e^7 2.5e^8 1e^7

1 elasticity
(E) (MPa)
Poisson's ratio 0.25 0.3 0.3 0.2
2 -

Unit weight 27 27 24 78
3 (kN/m3) 22.5

Cohesion 30 40 - -
4 (MPa) -

Frictionangle 50 35 - -
5 (˚) -

Earth pressure 1 1 1 -
6 coefficient at -
rest(K0)

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 Table 3.3 Geotechnical parameters for Highly Weathered Basalt

Sr Design parameter Rock (Basalt)

no.
1 Modulus of elasticity (E) (MPa) 1.2 e^6

2 Poisson's ratio 0.3

3 Unit weight (kN/m3) 20

4 Cohesion (MPa) 14

5 Friction angle (˚) 64

6 Earth pressure coefficient at rest 1

(K0)

3.3 Data Analysis

Parametric study for the face stability of 6.1m diameter tunnel in limestone and sandstone:

For parametric study for the face stability of 6.1m diameter tunnels in limestone and sandstone,
three cases were considered. For the three cases, rock property was changed keeping the diameter
of the tunnel constant. Different sets of geotechnical and geometrical parameters were taken for
analysis.
Set 1) Diameter of 6.1 m with continuum as limestone.
Set 2) Diameter of 6.1 m with continuum as sandstone.
For analysis, three-dimensional models were prepared by varying the cover depth from C=1.5D to
C=3.5D in the intervals of 0.5D. The continuum is considered upto 3.5D. Geotechnical data and
pressure parameters for limestone and sandstone were referred from the tables given in data
collection (Table 3.1 , Table 3.2 and Table 3.3). The finite element method of analysis was used
for parametric study and the displacements of crown and invert were observed using the software.
Fig
3.1 and Fig 3.2 depicts modelling and meshing performed for analysis. Hoek and Brown failure
criteria was adopted. The validated pressures were applied while modelling as shown in Fig.3.3.
Self-weight was considered. Auto constraint for boundary conditions was applied and construction

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 stages were given as depicted in Fig.3.4. Set 1 and Set 2 were compared on the
basis of change in property (Limestone and Sandstone) while keeping the
diameter constant 6.1m. The variation in displacement and stresses were
observed. The variation in displacement and stresses were observed. The
vertical displacements of the crown and the invert for various cover depths
were observed. Shilpa Kulkarni [10] concluded, the right and the left vertical
sidewalls have negligible displacements as compared to the crown and the
invert at a given pressure, hence it was neglected for observation. Further,
comparisons were made concerning vertical displacement and stresses
developed on key points for various rock properties using graphical
representation. It was concluded that both 6.1m diameter tunnels were stable at
2D as cover depth. Hence for further analysis, 2D was kept as a constant cover
depth.

Fig 3.1. Modelling Fig 3.2. 3D Meshing for Analysis

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 Fig 3.3. Application of Pressure Fig 3.4. Boundary
Constraint

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