Back-analysis of the response of shield tunneling by 3D finite element method

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical back-analysis of the response of a shield tunnel during construction. An important issue in the construction of shallow tunnels, especially in soft ground conditions, is the surface settlement caused by shield tunneling. The tunnel test system with 10m length, 7m width and 6.7m height, which was completed in China in 2009, is a research shield tunnel system. Using shield tunneling technique known as earth pressure balance (EPB) and slurry shield method, it could be excavated in a region consisting of original soft soils, such as silty clay, and different types of underlain soft soils. Based on the test results, the real-life tunnel response can be analyzed by back-analysis technique. The back-analysis technique is adapted to the three-dimensional finite element method (FEM). Parameter analyses are calibrated to study the behavior of the multi-scale diameter tunnel under various conditions. The suggested multi-scale model results show a well agreement between the prediction and the measurement.