Influence of Weak Ground Ahead of the Tunnel Face on 3D-displacement and Face Extrusion

During tunnel excavation in urban area a systematic monitoring is important for the purpose of determination of support type and quantity, as well as for the control of stability of both surface structures and the tunnel itself due to the frequently, and in many cases, abruptly changing ground condition. In Austria absolute displacement monitoring methods have replaced relative displacement measurements by geodetic methods to a large extent. Prompt detection of weak ground ahead of the tunnel face as well as better adjustment of excavation and support to the geotechnical conditions is possible with the help of the improved methods of data evaluation on sites. Deformation response of the ground to excavation starts ahead of the tunnel face, therefore, the deformation and state of the tunnel advance core is the key factor of the whole deformation process after excavation. In other words, the rigidity and state of the advance core play a determining role in the stability of both surface structures and the tunnel itself. This paper presents the results from detailed three-dimensional numerical studies, exploring vertical displacements, vector orientations and extrusions on tunnel face during the progressive advancement for the shallow tunnel in various geotechnical conditions.