Deformation control method of a large cross-section tunnel overlaid by a soft-plastic loess layer: a case study

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of a large cross-section high-speed railway tunnel overlaid by a Q2 soft-plastic loess layer. Due to poor engineering properties of the soft-plastic loess, two unexpected collapses occurred. This indicates that there is great difficulty and risk during tunneling. In this paper, the deformation control methods are studied by carrying out a series of numerical simulations and then validating via field tests. The stress and seepage coupling equations are deducted to embed into a 3D fluid-mechanical coupled numerical analysis. The results show that the curtain grouting scheme can effectively control the deformation of surrounding rock, and the real field data of settlement and horizontal convergence are 152 mm and 37 mm, respectively. However, the tunneling advance rate is slow (0.6 m/day) in trial sections because of the mutual interference between construction procedures. It can be used as an alternative scheme for lager deformation. The advanced drainage scheme can lower the ground water table below the excavation outline. The average water content of soft-plastic loess decreases from 26 to 22%, and the state of surrounding rock changes from soft plastic to hard plastic. The in situ settlement and horizontal convergence are 165 mm and 51 mm, respectively. Finally, it is proposed to use advanced drainage in combination with advanced small pipe grouting as a follow-up construction scheme. The successful completion of the whole tunnel proved the effectiveness of the proposed method.