Numerical Evaluation of the Surface Displacements due to Soil Grouting and to Tunnel Excavation

Low-pressure grouting with cement mixtures is among the techniques adopted for improving the mechanical characteristics of granular soils prior to excavation of underground openings. When applied to shallow subway tunnels, this procedure often induces heaves of the ground surface, which are followed by settlements during the excavation phase. In urban areas, these displacements may lead to appreciable damages of existing structures. In this paper, a finite element analysis is presented of the surface displacements recorded during construction of a subway tunnel in the city of Milan, Italy. Critical comparison between numerical and experimental data singles out the limits of an analysis approach used in tunneling practice that simulates the injections through a nonelastic volume strain. To overcome them, an alternative analysis scheme is adopted, based on the application of a neutral pressure within the grouted zone, which seems preferable for estimating the surface displacement caused by the field works.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/15323641
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Abstract reprinted with permission from ASCE
• Authors:
  • Contini, Alessio
  • Cividini, Annamaria
  • Gioda, Giancarlo
• Publication Date: 2007-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 217-226
• Serial:
  • International Journal of Geomechanics
  • Volume: 7
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 1532-3641
  • EISSN: 1943-5622
  • Serial URL: http://ascelibrary.org/journal/ijgnai

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Blowup (Pavements); Dislocation (Geology); Excavation; Field tests; Finite element method; Geotechnical engineering; Grouting; Settlement (Structures); Subway stations; Subways; Tunneling; Underground construction
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Public Transportation; I25: Design of Tunnels; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01051790
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 19 2007 8:28AM