Treatment effect investigation of underground continuous impervious curtain application in water-rich strata

Serious shaft lining failures often occur when shaft linings are constructed by passing them through the deep topsoil of Quaternary strata. This approach also leads to the formation of an aquifer at the bottom. Based on the theory of the additional stress which is the main reason for these failures, this study focuses on the treatment effect of underground continuous impervious curtain (UCIC) in terms of different factors, namely, the location, shape, range, and width, by using numerical simulation. Results show that the UCIC can reduce the stress concentration in the shaft lining formed in the bottom aquifer. The UCIC can also reinforce the shaft lining at different angles and can be applied in actual situations. The strength factors of the inner surface of the shaft lining increase after the UCIC are used. The material strength and width of the UCIC show an obvious effect on the stability of the shaft lining. Results proved that the UCIC could effectively strengthen the stability of the shaft lining when it was built in the aquifer or built in the aquifer and above and below the layer.