Modeling of tunneling-induced ground surface movements using stochastic medium theory

Abstract

Abstract Tunneling-induced ground surface movements were modeled using the stochastic medium theory. The formulated ground movement equations were coded in a computer program, which was then used to perform back analyses of 18 ground surface settlement profiles available in the literature. Results of back analyses provided the values of two key parameters—convergence and influence angle. These two parameters are primary factors for modeling the settlement profiles. The results of the study show that the developed methodology can be used to model ground settlement profiles reasonably well for both circular and non-circular tunnels. The required input parameters can be estimated using the available information as well as empirical or semi-empirical relations. For accurate determinations of the input parameters, it is recommended that correlations between input parameters and soil/tunnel conditions be established through extensive back analyses of available field data. Also, field studies are recommended to validate the developed methodology and correlations.