Design of sequential excavation method for large span urban tunnels in soft ground – Niayesh tunnel

Modern tunnel design and construction requires appropriate techniques and technologies during all phases of a tunnel project. Selecting a suitable excavation procedure for large span urban tunnel projects in soft ground is a key factor for successful construction of the project. The costs and time for tunnel construction are strongly influenced by the choice of the excavation procedure. This research focuses on the selection of excavation method, excavation sequence and optimum trailing distance between different excavation stages in soft ground urban tunnelling. Considering soft ground condition and the big cross section of the Niayesh urban road tunnel project, sequential excavation method (SEM) was selected for tunnel construction. In this phase, Central Diaphragm (CD) and Side wall Drift (SD) methods were proposed for tunnel construction and appropriate method was selected based on its potential to limit surface settlements. Then, different excavation sequences considering side wall drift method were planned and modelled using three dimensional finite element method and optimal excavation sequence was selected. Finally, the trailing distance between different excavation stages were analysed numerically and the optimal distance with minimum surface settlement was determined.

► An appropriate excavation procedure for large span urban tunnels in soft ground were proposed.
► Excavation method, construction sequence and optimum trailing distance between stages for Niayesh tunnels were designed.
► Central diaphragm and side wall drift methods were selected based on its performance to limit surface settlements.
► It was shown that surface settlements and tunnel convergence could be controlled effectively.