The influence of existing piles on station settlement during the construction of a tunnel undercrossing under existing stations

Abstract

In the construction of tunnels under existing stations, it is necessary to control their settlement. When there is a pile foundation in the existing station, the pile cutting has a significant impact on the settlement of the existing station. To determine the influence of existing piles on the settlement of subway stations, a reasonable pile-cutting time is proposed. Based on the Chengdu Metro Line 9 underpassing the existing Line 1 hatchery station, the settlement law of the tunnel underpassing the existing Line 1 station is analysed via a numerical simulation. Furthermore, the deformation and stress characteristics of the existing piles, pipe roofs, and tunnel linings and the supporting effect on the existing station are discussed. It is concluded that the cutting of existing piles causes a change in the tunnel bearing system, thus resulting in a certain deformation of the station. The influence of different pile cutting times on the settlement of the existing station is then analysed, and it is clarified that the tunnel support stiffness is significantly enhanced after the construction of the secondary lining. At this time, the settlement of the existing pile station is significantly reduced. Finally, through a field investigation, the effect of surface grouting, pipe shed, and multilayer lining on the settlement control of the existing station while the existing pile foundation exists is determined. This research can provide a reference for the settlement control and foundation underpinning of existing stations at ultra-small distances in underground excavation tunnels.