Tunnels in sands: the effect of size, depth and volume loss on greenfield displacements

This paper examines the effect that tunnel size, depth and volume loss have on greenfield soil displacements above tunnels in sandy ground. The results of a series of plane-strain centrifuge tests performed on tunnels in a dry silica sand are examined. The cover-to-diameter ratio, C/D, of the tunnels ranged from 1·3 to 4·4. Features of greenfield settlement trough shape, both surface and subsurface, are illustrated by examining soil displacement data obtained using an image-based deformation measurement technique. The effects of tunnel size, depth and volume loss are demonstrated, and the suitability of typical fitting curves is discussed. The complex volumetric behaviour of drained soil is illustrated by comparing tunnel volume loss with the volume loss experienced by the soil. A set of equations is developed that provide a method of evaluating the change of settlement trough shape with tunnel size, depth and volume loss.