An Evaluation of Theoretical Solutions for Prediction of Ground Movements Due To Shallow Tunneling in Soils

摘要

This paper presents an evaluation of three branches of analytical and semi-analytical predictions of ground movements induced by shallow tunneling in soils. These three branches of theoretical solutions are based on basic solutions, simplified theory of elasticity, and stochastic medium conceptualization, respectively, and they represent the contemporary theoretical treatments of the subject without resorting to sophisticated numerical methods. Their formulations, physical assumptions, expressions and applications are analyzed. The solutions evolved from basic solutions are all in the form of tunnel deformation characterization multiplied by transfer function; the solutions derived from using simplified theory of elasticity involve certain inconsistencies and ambiguities; and the semi-analytical solution based on stochastic medium theory bears strong resemblance, in terms of both fitting parameters and functional form, to a well-known family of empirical formulas. Comparative calculations reveal that these solutions may yield rather discrepant predictions of ground surface settlement, suggesting caution for proper actual applications.