Prediction of Surface Deformation Induced by Ultra-Shallow-Buried Pilot Tunnel Construction

The prediction of ground deformation during ultra-shallow-buried pilot tunnel construction is critical for urban rail transit projects in complex geological settings, yet existing cross-section models often lack accuracy. This study proposes an enhanced non-uniform convergence model based on stochas...

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Main Authors: Caijun Liu, Xiangdong Li, Yang Yang, Xing Gao, Yupeng Shen, Peng Jing
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7546
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author Caijun Liu
Xiangdong Li
Yang Yang
Xing Gao
Yupeng Shen
Peng Jing
author_facet Caijun Liu
Xiangdong Li
Yang Yang
Xing Gao
Yupeng Shen
Peng Jing
author_sort Caijun Liu
collection DOAJ
description The prediction of ground deformation during ultra-shallow-buried pilot tunnel construction is critical for urban rail transit projects in complex geological settings, yet existing cross-section models often lack accuracy. This study proposes an enhanced non-uniform convergence model based on stochastic medium theory, which decomposes surface settlement into uniform soil shrinkage and non-uniform initial support deformation. A computational formula for horseshoe-shaped sections is derived and validated through field data from Kunming Rail Transit Phase I, demonstrating a 59% improvement in maximum settlement prediction accuracy (reducing error from 7.5 mm to 3.1 mm) compared to traditional methods. Its application to Beijing Metro Line 13 reveals two distinct deformation patterns: significant ground heave occurs at 2.5 times the tunnel width from the centerline, while maximum settlement concentrates above the excavation center and diminishes radially. To mitigate heave, early strengthening of the secondary lining is recommended to control initial horizontal deformation. These findings enhance prediction reliability and provide actionable insights for deformation control in similar urban tunneling projects, particularly under ultra-shallow burial conditions.
format Article
id doaj-art-ff5aed72480240a3ac3fa07b8122023d
institution Kabale University
issn 2076-3417
language English
publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series Applied Sciences
spelling doaj-art-ff5aed72480240a3ac3fa07b8122023d2025-08-20T03:50:16ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-07-011513754610.3390/app15137546Prediction of Surface Deformation Induced by Ultra-Shallow-Buried Pilot Tunnel ConstructionCaijun Liu0Xiangdong Li1Yang Yang2Xing Gao3Yupeng Shen4Peng Jing5China Railway First Group Second Engineering Co., Ltd., Tangshan 063000, ChinaChina Railway First Group Second Engineering Co., Ltd., Tangshan 063000, ChinaChina Railway First Group Second Engineering Co., Ltd., Tangshan 063000, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, ChinaThe prediction of ground deformation during ultra-shallow-buried pilot tunnel construction is critical for urban rail transit projects in complex geological settings, yet existing cross-section models often lack accuracy. This study proposes an enhanced non-uniform convergence model based on stochastic medium theory, which decomposes surface settlement into uniform soil shrinkage and non-uniform initial support deformation. A computational formula for horseshoe-shaped sections is derived and validated through field data from Kunming Rail Transit Phase I, demonstrating a 59% improvement in maximum settlement prediction accuracy (reducing error from 7.5 mm to 3.1 mm) compared to traditional methods. Its application to Beijing Metro Line 13 reveals two distinct deformation patterns: significant ground heave occurs at 2.5 times the tunnel width from the centerline, while maximum settlement concentrates above the excavation center and diminishes radially. To mitigate heave, early strengthening of the secondary lining is recommended to control initial horizontal deformation. These findings enhance prediction reliability and provide actionable insights for deformation control in similar urban tunneling projects, particularly under ultra-shallow burial conditions.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7546non-uniform convergence modelstochastic medium theoryultra-shallow-buried tunnelsurface settlement prediction
spellingShingle Caijun Liu
Xiangdong Li
Yang Yang
Xing Gao
Yupeng Shen
Peng Jing
Prediction of Surface Deformation Induced by Ultra-Shallow-Buried Pilot Tunnel Construction
Applied Sciences
non-uniform convergence model
stochastic medium theory
ultra-shallow-buried tunnel
surface settlement prediction
title Prediction of Surface Deformation Induced by Ultra-Shallow-Buried Pilot Tunnel Construction
title_full Prediction of Surface Deformation Induced by Ultra-Shallow-Buried Pilot Tunnel Construction
title_fullStr Prediction of Surface Deformation Induced by Ultra-Shallow-Buried Pilot Tunnel Construction
title_full_unstemmed Prediction of Surface Deformation Induced by Ultra-Shallow-Buried Pilot Tunnel Construction
title_short Prediction of Surface Deformation Induced by Ultra-Shallow-Buried Pilot Tunnel Construction
title_sort prediction of surface deformation induced by ultra shallow buried pilot tunnel construction
topic non-uniform convergence model
stochastic medium theory
ultra-shallow-buried tunnel
surface settlement prediction
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7546
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AT xinggao predictionofsurfacedeformationinducedbyultrashallowburiedpilottunnelconstruction
AT yupengshen predictionofsurfacedeformationinducedbyultrashallowburiedpilottunnelconstruction
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