1999 Volume 9 Pages 15-22
Stability of tunnel faces in sandy grounds is influenced by not only the mechanical properties of the ground but also groundwater conditions. Sand tank experiments have made clear that the morphological features of face collapse are influenced by the properties of grounds and the groundwater conditions. The simulations of the model experiment by a mechanical-groundwater flow coupling analysis are tried based on the finite-difference method, and it is verified that the analysis method is serviceable. The numerical parametric analyses are also carried out to understand the influences of the mechanical properties on face stability of tunnels in the water saturated sandy grounds. The results of the analyses indicated that the face stability decreases remarkably in condition of less than 80 percent in relative density of ground.
