3D numerical analysis of tunnels in reclaimed land

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of constructing tunnels in reclaimed lands that is still under primary consolidation. This will be done by using numerical method. Most past studies focus on how the installation of barrettes-like structures can help to alleviate ground settlements due to tunnelling induced effects. However, little research has been conducted on whether barrette can help to reduce the internal forces of tunnel lining. In this paper, sensitivity analysis of two cases, one without barrette and one with barrette will also be carried out by numerical analysis to discuss about the effectiveness of using barrette. This will be done by adopting soil parameters from a Site Investigation report of a case study, followed by simulating the cases using the Bentley PLAXIS 3D Ultimate software, a finite element analysis software. The results revealed that installing barrettes can help to optimise the design of tunnel linings and alleviate the internal forces experienced by the tunnel linings in the long run.