Response analysis of nearby structures to tunneling-induced ground movements in sandy soils

• Structure response analysis to tunneling-induced ground movements were investigated.
• Tunnel, structure, ground, and construction conditions were considered all together.
• A relationship was developed to integrate the study results into a design frame in engineering practice.
• Study results will be utilized to control and minimize the damage of structure to tunneling-induced ground movements.

This study examined the effects of tunneling-induced ground movements on the nearby structures in sandy soils considering the soil–structure interactions of different tunnels, structures, ground, and construction conditions. The investigation relates the level of structural distortion and damage to different tunnel field conditions. For this purpose, extensive numerical parametric studies were conducted and the results were compared with some field cases. The discrete element method (DEM) has been used to model structural cracking when the shear and tensile stress exceeds the maximum shear and tensile strength. Two different structures, brick-bearing and brick-infilled frame structures, were considered, and the distortion and cracking induced in the structures was related to different tunnel field conditions. A relationship that correlates the tunnel depth to diameter (Z/D) ratios and ground loss conditions with a level of structural damage with different ground and structure conditions was developed to integrate the study results into a design frame in engineering practice. The relationship developed can be used practically to assess the structural damage in the design stage of tunnel constructions under a range of tunnel field conditions. These results will provide a background for a better understanding of how to control and minimize the damage of the structure to tunneling-induced ground movements in sandy soils under different tunnel, structure, ground, and construction conditions.

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