Research on Shield Tunneling across a River Using a Scale Model

Abstract

This paper proposes a scale model test to simulate shield tunnel excavation over long distances. The test simulates the whole process of shield tunneling through the Weihe River on Xi’an Metro Line 1, where the tunneling length and diameter reach 100 m and 6 m, respectively. The dimensions of the test setup were 6.0 m × 1.0 m × 1.0 m, the diameter of the tunnel model was 160 mm, and the geometric similarity ratio was 1:40. Finite element analysis and field measurements were performed to complement the test results. By comparing the finite element simulation and field measurement, the scale model test was validated and verified to be reliable. The results show that the test effectively predicts riverbed deformation caused by shield construction. In addition, it can be applied to soil stability analysis and the impact evaluation of surface deformation in other shield-crossing rivers, complex strata, and superstructure groups, providing auxiliary guidance for shield constructions.

Keywords

• scale model test
• shield tunneling
• river
• finite element analysis
• long distances