Hydro-mechanical analysis of tunneling in saturated ground using an efficient sequential coupling technique (UTI-UTC 22)

This project aims to enhance the understanding and simulation of the complex interactions between hydraulic and mechanical processes during tunnel excavation in saturated soils. The research focuses on developing an efficient sequential coupling technique to model pore water pressure dissipation and ground deformation, which are critical in ensuring tunnel stability and safety. By leveraging high-order finite difference methods and validated numerical simulations, the project enables detailed analysis of soil behavior under varying stress and seepage conditions. The methodology is designed to accurately capture the temporal and spatial evolution of ground responses during tunneling without incurring the computational cost of fully coupled models. Results from this study provide practical insights for the design and risk assessment of tunneling operations in soft, water-bearing ground conditions, contributing to safer and more efficient underground construction practices.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $507,415.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3551747118

• Sponsor Organizations:

  University Transportation Center for Underground Transportation Infrastructure

  Colorado School of Mines
  Golden, CO  United States  80401

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Colorado School of Mines

  1500 Illinois St
  Golden, CO  United States  80401
• Performing Organizations:

  Colorado School of Mines

  1500 Illinois St
  Golden, CO  United States  80401
• Principal Investigators:

  Gutierrez, Marte

• Start Date: 20170101
• Expected Completion Date: 20200430
• Actual Completion Date: 20200501
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Deformation; Excavation and tunneling; Finite differences; Hydromechanics; Mathematical models; Pore water pressures; Saturated soils
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01954486
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: University Transportation Center for Underground Transportation Infrastructure
• Contract Numbers: 69A3551747118
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: May 7 2025 6:01PM