Evaluating the Safety and Control Scheme of Coastal Railway Using Land Subsidence Coupling Model

Abstract

Uneven settlement caused by excessive exploitation of groundwater will seriously affect the smooth operation of high-speed railways. This study takes the Jinwei high-speed railway as an example to explore the development characteristics and distribution of groundwater and land subsidence along the railway under the influence of groundwater exploitation. Based on the comprehensive analysis of hydrogeological conditions and soil characteristics, a three-dimensional coupling model of groundwater seepage and land subsidence was established. The groundwater flow field and land subsidence along the railway under different mining schemes were quantified, and the prevention and control scheme to ensure the smooth operation of the high-speed railway was determined. The results show that the coupling model verified by groundwater and subsidence monitoring data can better simulate the development process of land subsidence. The subsidence center along the railway line is located between DK315 ∼ DK327, with a predicted maximum subsidence rate of 16.36 mm/a. The second most serious area is located between DK295 ∼ DK309, with a maximum subsidence rate of 12.21 mm/a. The maximum ban on mining along the railway is extended to 350 m at the section DK295 ∼ DK309, and to 450 m at the section DK315 ∼ DK325, which can minimize the impact of land subsidence on the high-speed railway.