Abstract
Understanding the building response to tunnelling-induced settlements is an important aspect of urban tunnelling in soft ground. Previous centrifuge modelling research demonstrated significant potential to study this tunnel–soil–structure interaction problem. However, these recent studies were limited by simplified building models, which might result in uncertainties when interpreting the building performance to tunnelling subsidence. This paper presents an experimental modelling procedure and the results of a series of centrifuge tests, involving relatively complex surface structures subjected to tunnelling in sand. Powder-based three-dimensional (3D) printing was adopted to fabricate building models with realistic layouts, facade openings and foundations. The 3D printed material had a Young's modulus and a brittle response similar to historic masonry. Modelling effects and boundary conditions are quantified. The good agreement between the experimentally obtained results and previous research demonstrates that the soil–structure interaction during tunnel excavation is well replicated. The experimental procedure provides a framework to quantify how building features affect the response of buildings to tunnelling subsidence.
Highlights
Creating urban underground space frequently involves the construction of shallow tunnels underneath highly congested urban areas
This paper presents an experimental modelling procedure and the results of a series of centrifuge tests, involving relatively complex surface structures subjected to tunnelling in sand
Computational modelling studies (Franzius et al, 2006; Goh and Mair, 2011; Melis and Rodriguez Ortiz, 2001; Potts and Addenbrooke, 1997; Son and Cording, 2007) identified that the building stiffness plays a key role when investigating the response of surface structures subjected to tunnelling
Summary
Creating urban underground space frequently involves the construction of shallow tunnels underneath highly congested urban areas. Computational modelling studies (Franzius et al, 2006; Goh and Mair, 2011; Melis and Rodriguez Ortiz, 2001; Potts and Addenbrooke, 1997; Son and Cording, 2007) identified that the building stiffness plays a key role when investigating the response of surface structures subjected to tunnelling. This finding is supported by the results of centrifuge modelling (Caporaletti et al, 2005; Farrell, 2010; Farrell and Mair, 2012; Taylor and Grant, 1998; Taylor and Yip, 2001), which captures the correct self-weight stress–strain behaviour of the soil and the surface structure. The centrifuge tests presented developed differential soil displacements during spin-up The reasons for this observation and its implications on the subsequent tunnel excavation are presented below. T1 and T2 are discussed as they reveal the main spin-up mechanisms observed
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Physical Modelling in Geotechnics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
