Analytical approach and field monitoring for mechanical behaviors of pipe roof reinforcement

Abstract

Considering the delay effect of initial lining and revising the Winkler elastic foundation model, an analytical approach based on Pasternak elastic foundation beam theory for pipe roof reinforcement was put forward. With the example of a certain tunnel excavation, the comparison of the values of longitudinal strain of reinforcing pipe between field monitoring and analytical approach was made. The results indicate that Pasternak model, which considers a more realistic hypothesis in the elastic soil than Winkler model, gives more accurate calculation and agrees better with the result of field monitoring. The difference of calculation results between these two models is about 7%, and Pasternak model is proved to be a better way to study the reinforcement mechanism and improve design practice. The calculation results also reveal that the reinforcing pipes act as levers, which increases longitudinal load transfer to an unexcavated area, and consequently decreases deformation and increases face stability.