Interaction between tunneling and groundwater - Numerical investigation using three dimensional stress-pore pressure coupled analysis

Because of increased public concern regarding the impact of tunneling on surrounding environments, the control of groundwater has become an essential part of the planning, design, and construction of a tunneling project. This paper presents the results of an investigation on interaction mechanism between tunneling and groundwater using a three dimensional stress-pore pressure coupled finite-element model. It is shown that the ground and lining responses are significantly influenced by the relative permeability of the lining, and that the circumferential pregrouting is an effective means for minimizing the tunneling and groundwater interaction. Also highlighted is the importance of the stress-pore pressure coupled analysis in the numerical prediction of tunnel behavior. Practical implications of the findings from this study are discussed in great detail.