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

• Structural response to tunneling in clay soils were investigated.
• Tunnel, structure, ground, and construction conditions were considered.
• A relationship was developed to integrate the study results into a design frame.
• Study results can be used to minimize structural damage to tunneling in clay soils.

This study examined the effects of tunneling-induced short-term ground movements on nearby structures in clay 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 field cases. The discrete element method (DEM) was used to model structural cracking when the shear and tensile stress exceeds the maximum shear and tensile strength. Brick-bearing and brick-infilled frame structures were considered, and the distortion and cracking induced in the structures were related to different tunnel field conditions. A relationship was developed to correlate the ratios of the tunnel depth to the diameter (Z/D) and ground loss conditions with the level of structural damage for different ground and structure conditions. The study results were integrated into a design framework in engineering practice. The relationship developed was compared with observed field cases, and the results indicated that it can be used practically to assess the structural damage in the design stage of tunnel constructions in a range of tunnel field conditions in clay soils. The study results provide a background for better understanding of how to control and minimize the damage of a structure to tunneling-induced ground movements in clay soils under different tunnel, structure, ground, and construction conditions.