FEM MINIMUM EXCAVATION DESIGN METHOD FOR NON-AXISYMMETRIC TUNNELS

Abstract

If the area of an excavation section can be minimized after the design requirements have been satisfied, economic efficiency and safety can be greatly enhanced. Viewed in this light, “the minimum excavation design method” has been proposed. This method, however, was confronted with a difficult problem that the prediction of the minimum excavation section is impossible in the case of non-axisymmetric tunnels. To solve this problem, an execution system for the FEM minimum excavation design method that enables the alteration of the sectional geometry, taking into account the design requirements and obtained FEM analytical data, has been developed. The serviceability of the system was also examined.