Three-dimensional finite-element analysis on ground responses during twin-tunnel construction using the URUP method

• Ground responses during twin-tunnel construction using the URUP method were analysed.
• The ground contraction method was employed to simulate the shield-induced volume loss.
• Influence of cover-to-diameter ratio and face supporting pressure was explored.

The paper presents a finite-element analysis of a metro tunnel project using the URUP method in which the shield machine is launched and received at the ground surface level. During the tunnelling process, the cover depth varied from 0.7D (D is the excavation diameter) to −0.3D in which case the shield machine was partially above the ground surface. A three-dimensional finite element model is proposed via the commercial software ABAQUS considering the actual geological condition and tunnelling procedures. Elasto-plasticity constitutive models are utilised for the top three strata in the finite element analysis (FEA). Constant gradients corresponding to material density are assumed for the face supporting pressure and the grouting pressure in the model. The ground contraction method is employed to simulate the shield-induced volume loss. The numerical model is firstly validated against the field measurement data considering the surface settlement. Parametric studies are performed subsequently to investigate the influence of some key tunnelling variables including cover-to-diameter ratio and face supporting pressure on the ground responses. According to the FEA, a critical cover depth of 0.55D is proposed for URUP method below which value instability and collapse of surrounding soils will be highly likely.