A Study on the Closure Ratio for Tunnel Face Stabilization during Tunnel Excavation in Sand Soil

Abstract

This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on the closure ratio of tunnel face to reduce pressure and displacement occurring at tunnel face during tunnel excavation. In experimental study, model tests are carried out according to the closure ratio of tunnel face and tunnel depth. Model test results are analyzed and interpreted by numerical calculation in order to verify results obtained from experimental and numerical studies. It is clearly found that tunnel face stability increases with the increase of the closure ratio of tunnel face. The results also show that tunnel face is stable when the closure ratio of tunnel face is larger than 80%. This research will be very useful to develop the economical tunnel face closing system.