Journal of Shanghai University(Natural Science Edition) ›› 2021, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (6): 1094-1105.doi: 10.12066/j.issn.1007-2861.2228

• Research Articles • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Stability mechanism of the excavation face for shield tunneling in soft and hard composite ground

ZHOU Liji1, ZHANG Mengxi1(), WANG Wei2, JIA Wurong2, ZHANG Xiaoqing1   

  1. 1. Department of Civil Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
    2. Guangzhou Branch, China Railway 20th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 511400, China
  • Received:2019-12-21 Online:2021-12-31 Published:2022-01-06
  • Contact: ZHANG Mengxi E-mail:mxzhang@i.shu.edu.cn

Abstract:

When the shield passes through composite strata, especially the upper soft and lower hard strata, instability of the excavation surface is variable and the stress mechanism is complex. Consequently, engineering disasters caused by instability of the excavation surface can occasionally occur. Based on the Fo-Guan intercity railway tunnel project, a three-dimensional finite element numerical model is constructed and a stratum composite ratio parameter is introduced to improve the wedge theory of earth pressure. The effects of different stratum composite ratios and soft soil internal friction angles on the stability of the excavation surface when the shield passes through the upper-soft and lower-hard strata are analyzed. The results indicate that the maximum deformation of the shield excavation face appears at a specific position in the soft soil area, which is related to the proportion of soft soil. The displacement of the excavation face can be divided into three stages: slow growth, sharp increase, and instability failure. When the support pressure ratio is close to the limit support pressure ratio, the excavation face deformation will increase sharply. The theoretical solution of the improved partial wedge model is consistent with the numerical simulation results, and the theory is reasonable. These research results can provide some theoretical guidance for shield construction of similar strata.

Key words: shield tunnel, upper-soft and lower-hard ground, excavation face stability, minimum support pressure ratio, limit equilibrium

CLC Number: