Tunnels in

Swelling and Squeezing Grounds

KYUHO CHO
BUMJOO KIM

12/21/15

Contents
Definition of Swelling and Squeezing Mechanisms
Empirical Values of Support for Case Tunnel (Highway)
Analytical Values of Support for Case Tunnel (Highway)
Design Values for the Support through the 2 methods
Excavation and Supports
Conclusion

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Definition of Swelling and Squeezing Mechanisms

Swelling Mechanism:
- A combination of physico-chemical reaction involving
water and stress relief leading to volume increase with time
- Argillaceous soil or rock (Clay, Shale/Mudstone, Fault
gouge, and Weathering/Alteration zone)
Squeezing Mechanism:
- Time dependent shear displacement of the ground
leading to inward movement of the tunnel periphery
- Any soil or rocks as long as the ground around tunnel
creep

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Ground and Tunnel Parameters

Ground = shale (cretaceous), fault zone
qu = 10 Mpa
v = 0.8 Mpa (Z=40m, r=20 KN/m3)
E = 500 Mpa, = 0.4
Material constant for shale (Hoek-Brown)
m=0.2 & s=0.0001, mr=0.01 & s=0
Max.swelling pressure = 0.2 Mpa (Oedometer test)
Initial radius of tunnel = 7 m
De = 14/1.0 = 14
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Plan & Cross-sectional Views of the Case Tunnel

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Empirical Method (Q-system)

1. RQD = very poor (10)
2. Jn = 3 joint set + random (12)
3. Jr = smooth planar (1.0)
4. Ja = swelling clay (montmorillonite) filling (10)
5. Jw = medium inflow or pressure (0.66)
6. SRF = mild swelling/squeezing (8)
Q = (RQD/Jn)(Jr/Ja)(Jw/SRF)
= (10/12)(1.0/10)(0.66/8) = 0.007
Category 38 (Bartons Design Category)
= CCA (sr) 100-300 cm + B (tg) 0.5-1.0 m

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Design category by Q-system

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Analytical Method(Rock-support interaction)

2.0
1.8
1.6

pi (Mpa)

1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0

20

40

60

80

ui (mm)
Steel rib

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Con'c lining

Rockbolt

Ground

100

Plot of Design Values by RQD

2.0
1.8
1.6

pi (Mpa)

1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0

20

40

60

80

100

ui (mm)
Steel rib

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Con'c lining

Rockbolt

Ground

Plot of Design Values by Q-system

2.0
1.8
1.6

pi (Mpa)

1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
0

20

40

60

80

ui (mm)
Con'c lining

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Rockbolt

Ground

100

Comparison of Empirical & Analytical Method

Empirical values
By RQD
- rock bolt : 0.6-0.9m spacing
- shotcrete : > 0.15m
- steel rib (very heavy)
: 0.6m spacing

By Q-system
- Cast concrete arch : 1-3m
- rock bolt (tensioned grouted)
: 0.5-1.0 m spacing
More conservative

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Safer Design

Analytical values
- rock bolt (mechanically
or chemically anchored)
: 0.5m spacing
: 3m length
- concrete lining : 0.3m
- steel rib : 0.3m
: 12W65
More accurate

More Limitation

Excavation and Support

Excavation Methods
Sequential excavation
- Side drift method
- Heading and bench
Full face excavation

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Side drift method

Heading and Bench

Full face excavation

Spring line side

drift method
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Excavation and Support

Effect of different support measures

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drift method

Heading and Bench

Additional Considerations on Supports in

Tunnels in Squeezing Condition
Non-uniform distribution of the ground pressure

Main causes for the deviation of deformations from

rotary symmetrical state
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Additional Consideration on Supports in

Tunnels in Squeezing Condition
Response of Supports to Non-uniform
Distribution of Ground Pressure

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Conclusion
We made a comparative study on the supports of the case tunnel in
time-dependant ground(Shale) with the rock-support interaction
analysis and empirical methods (RQD and Q-system).
The design values by rock-support interaction and Q-system showed
the satisfactory results with respect to the ground stability than RQD
for the given tunnel.
It is not easy to predict how much the swelling and squeezing occur
with time at the stage of design.
Most important is the integration of design and construction
including monitoring during construction and the possibility to adapt
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the design, if necessary.