A 3D temporal evolutionary numerical model of a masonry building in Barcelona subjected to tunnelling subsidence

The aim of this work is to deepen the knowledge of the numerical simulation used in the prediction of building dam age produced by tunnel ling subsidence. This paper analyzes the structural response of a one-storey building subjected to real ground movements experienced during the construction of the L9 Metro line tunnel in Barcelona, bored by a Earth Pressure Balance Machine (EPB) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). A 3D temporal evolutionary numerical model is used to predict the damage in the building resulting from tunnelling subsidence. The real structural damage presented is compared with the predictions of the numerical model. This last task can be done since the measures of real ground movements given by the monitoring instruments, such as retro -reflective prisms and total stations, are available for this research. Main model parameters have been determined by means of characterization experiments developed on the site and in the laboratory, thus giving a higher significance to the analysis.