Effect of pipe characteristics in umbrella arch method on controlling tunneling-induced settlements in soft grounds

Abstract

Abstract Recent developments in tunneling have stimulated design practitioners to more effectively utilize the underground spaces. However, tunneling at shallow depth in soft grounds gives rise to concerns associated with tunnel instability. Umbrella arch method (UAM), as a pre-reinforcement approach of tunnels in complex geological conditions, is widely used to maintain the tunnel stability. Quantitative assessment of the impacts of the entire approach and forepoling pipe features on tunnel stability remains challenging due to the complex nature of the UAM application. This study aimed to assess the effect of pipe design parameters on reinforcing the tunnels excavated in soft grounds. This practical investigation considered the actual field conditions attributed to the tunneling procedure and UAM deployment. Then, the tunneling process was modeled and the tunnel excavation-induced settlements were calculated. The post-processed results confirmed that deploying the UAM substantially reduced the tunnel crown and ground surface settlements by 76% and 42%, respectively. Investigation of various design parameters of pipes underscored the significance of incorporating the optimum value for each individual parameter into design schemes to more effectively control the settlements. Additionally, contrasting the settlement reduction rates (SRRs) for pipe design variables showed that the tunnel stability is more sensitive to the changes in the values of diameter and length, compared to values of the installation angle and center-to-center distance of the pipes.