Stability analysis of twin tunnels by finite element method

Abstract

The tunnels are generally made for mining, civil and other engineering works. The techniques to construct twin tunnels become a matter of great concern to rock designers, especially for the stability of the structure. The stability of tunnels depends upon a number of parameters. The present studies deal with the simulation of the twin tunnels in general and methods of their construction in particular, by analyzing the stability of twin tunnels based on finite element method. Three different types of techniques have been adopted for the construction of such tunnels, viz., (i) simultaneous excavation, (ii) alternate excavation, and (iii) simultaneous sequential excavation. The reported studies show that the simultaneous sequential excavation method of construction of twin tunnels is more appropriate in comparison to the other two methods of construction.