The Study on a New Loads Calculation Method of Multi-Arch and Extra Large Cross Section Tunnels

Increasing numbers of tunnels adopt super large sections due to the advance of design and construction technology, but the calculation method for the loose loads of such tunnels still follows the traditional method for tunnels constructed by the method of whole face excavation. The calculated loads using such method are always lager than their actual values of super large sections tunnels, and as a result the supports for such tunnels are too conservative which lead to unnecessary construction cost. As said, a new calculation method for the loose loads of multi-arch and extra large cross section tunnels (MELCST) is proposed in this paper considering the characteristics of construction for such tunnels. The method accounts for the influences caused by the multi-step construction procedure and temporary support on tunnels. Compared with old methods, this method is more practical and close to field situation, which provides a new idea for calculating surrounding rock loose loads in MELCST. This new method is demonstrated using Luohanshan tunnel of airport-highway in Fuzhou city, China.