Numerical Modeling of Ground Movement due to Twin Tunnel Structure of Esfahan Subway, Iran

Abstract

Tunneling operations in urban areas are always associated with surface and subsurface ground movement, which may affect the stability of nearby structures and utilities. One of the main issues in the analysis and design of tunnels, is ground movement after the support systems and settlement systems caused by excavation. This paper takes the discrete element calculation software of Universal Distinct Element Code (UDEC) to set three dimensional calculations models to simulate the construction of Esfahan subway tunnel, analyzing the displacement and stress dynamic response during the construction process. The paper also carries out the comparison analysis of the field measurement of the ground movement. The result indicates that the simulation objectively reflected the rules of movement during the construction process. The results show that the tunnels are stable before support system installation and the tunnel induced movement is allowable.