SUDDEN EXCAVATION OF A LONG CIRCULAR TUNNEL IN ELASTIC GROUND

The aim of this paper is to derive a solution for the problem of a cylindrical cavity excavated rapidly in elastic ground and to evaluate that solution for a practically significant case. The solution is developed in terms of Laplace transforms of the field quantities, and inversion of the transforms is carried out numerically. An examination is also made of the influence of the rate of excavation on the transient stresses around the opening. It is demonstrated that for rapid excavation the dynamic effects can result in significant differences between the short- and long-term stress distributions. It is also demonstrated that more gradual excavation reduces the differences between the maximum transient and the long-term stresses. For most rock masses the stress removal at the tunnel walls must occur over a period of about 0.1 sec or less for the dynamic effects to have a significant influence. The solutions presented here should also be of use as benchmarks for other numerical procedures, such as the finite-element method, for the solution of dynamics problems in rock mechanics.(A)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01489062
• Corporate Authors:

  Pergamon Press, Incorporated

  Headington Hill Hall
  Oxford OX30BW,    
• Authors:
  • Carter, J P
  • BOOKER, J R
• Publication Date: 1990-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 129-132
• Serial:
  • Intl J of Rock Mech & Mining Sci & Geomechanic Abs
  • Volume: 27
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Pergamon Press, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 0148-9062

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dynamics; Elasticity (Mechanics); Excavation; Excavations; Loads; Mathematical models; Time duration; Tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Long term; Quick; Temporary
• ITRD Terms: 5473: Dynamics; 5912: Elasticity; 5155: Excavation (process); 5567: Load; 9110: Long term; 6473: Mathematical model; 9064: Quick; 9077: Temporary; 3374: Tunnel
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00604832
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 28 1991 12:00AM