EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF REDUCTION EFFECTS ON SEISMIC STRESSES IN THE CROSS SECTION OF SHIELD TUNNELS

Abstract

This paper describes reduction effects on seismic stresses in the cross section of shield tunnels with the backfilling area filled with flexible materials. First of all, a tunnel and ground model were produced and then reduction effects on stresses by backfilling were confirmed as the result of pure shear loading test. From the result of simulation by FEM of small strain stage, it was clear that calculated values were in good agreement with experimental values. In case the flexible back-filling materials are applied to actual structures, sufficient reduction effects by cutting off tangential forces are verified.