Experimental and Numerical Modeling of Tunneling-Induced Ground Settlement in Clayey Soil

The rapid urbanization has increased the problem of traffic congestion, therefore, several cities in the world have opted rapid mass transportation system as its counter solution. However, pre-construction and post-construction behavior of the tunnel supporting the rapid mass transport must be studied. A tunnel having opening shape of vertical wall, arch roof shape in soft soil has been considered. In this study, surface settlement of soil and stresses in the soil due to excavation has been studied on the physical model, and the same has been validated using 2D finite element software GEO5. Comparison of surface settlement in the tunnel direction has been discussed. Deformation and surface settlement increase as the thickness of liner decreases. The results of numerical studies were found to be in close proximity of physical model.