Analysis of lining load of mechanized tunnels - A case study of Zayanderood dam to Kashan water conveyance tunnel

When an underground space is drilled, the state of stresses is changed and a disturbance is created in the mechanical behavior of the surrounding Area. Stability of an underground space is provided by support systems. One of the most important loads in designing tunnel support system is environmental rock/soil loads. So far different methods have been represented to estimate the rock load such as empirical, analytical and numerical method that is based on engineering classification of rock. The aim of this study was to evaluate empirical and numerical methods of estimation of rock load on the segmental tunnel support system according to instrumentation data in the tunnel to transfer water from the Zayanderood dam to the city of Kashan. The results of numerical simulations, shows nearer results to field data.
In order to estimate the Rock load on tunnels, empirically, analytically or numerically methods those are useable for tunnel design engineers. Empirical methods are based on local observations, the required parameters in the project, comparing them with past experience and at last are based on the conclusions and determine the forces. In numerical method based on analysis stress, displacement and plastic zone is determined and rock load calculated. The most important advantage of this method for the simultaneous determination of the load on support system and deformation occurred in the rock mass. In estimating the Rock load for each of these methods sometimes large differences can be observed between the results from different methods.
Methodology and Approaches : In this research, all experimental methods available in the literature were evaluated. The SAP2000 and PLAXIS-2D software numerical modeling has been done. The results of empirical and numerical methods are compared with the results of field work and instrumentation and its results have been analyzed and interpreted. The results of the internal forces in the lining of software PLAXIS analysis and the results of the internal forces in the software SAP2000 (based on the rock of experimental methods) were compared and interpreted.
Results and Based on the results of numerical simulations, estimates of the analysis in Plaxis software for all host rock mass conditions, shows nearer results to field data. According to the analysis, the results of Goel & Jethwa and Goel et al. that based on RMR classification system using RMR Basic values as the closest approximation to field data to estimation of rock load have been introduced.