Prediction of tunnel deformation in squeezing grounds

•Dimensionally correct correlations have been developed for squeezing grounds.•The correlations use joint factor and Q-value separately.•The involved parameters can be easily determined in the field.

In this paper, dimensionally correct empirical correlations have been developed with correlation factor of 0.94 to predict tunnel deformation for squeezing grounds. Data of 63 sections from various case histories of 14 adits/tunnels/mine roadway were included for the study. Joint factor (as a measure of rock mass quality)/Barton's rock mass quality, vertical in situ stress, support stiffness and radius of the tunnel are the governing parameters which have been considered for developing the correlations.