|Table of Contents|

[1] ZHOU Zhong, SUI Yuchao, YAN Haitao,. Theoretical model and numerical simulation research on minimum overburden thickness of TBM excavation based on surrounding rock arching theory [J]. Journal of Southeast University (English Edition), 2026, 42 (1): 12-25. [doi:10.3969/j.issn.1003-7985.2026.01.002]
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Theoretical model and numerical simulation research on minimum overburden thickness of TBM excavation based on surrounding rock arching theory()
基于围岩成拱理论的TBM掘进最小覆岩厚度理论模型与数值模拟研究

Journal of Southeast University (English Edition)[ISSN:1003-7985/CN:32-1325/N]

Volumn:
42
Issue:
2026 1
Page:
12-25
Research Field:
Traffic and Transportation Engineering
Publishing date:
2026-03-20

Info

Title:
Theoretical model and numerical simulation research on minimum overburden thickness of TBM excavation based on surrounding rock arching theory
基于围岩成拱理论的TBM掘进最小覆岩厚度理论模型与数值模拟研究
Author(s):
ZHOU Zhong, SUI Yuchao, YAN Haitao
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
周中, 隋玉超, 鄢海涛
中南大学土木工程学院, 长沙 410075
Keywords:
minimum overburden thickness tunnel boring machine(TBM) pressure arch numerical simulation self-supporting arch
最小覆岩厚度 TBM 压力拱 数值模拟 自承拱
PACS:
U45
DOI:
10.3969/j.issn.1003-7985.2026.01.002
Abstract:
Based on the surrounding rock arching and hingeless arch structure theories, a theoretical formula for the minimum overburden thickness was derived. By substituting different mechanical parameters of multiple tunnels at home and abroad into this formula, minimum self-supporting arch formulas under different surrounding rock classes were obtained. Based on the actual engineering case of a dual-mode shield tunnel, a numerical model for the tunnel boring machine excavation mode was established to verify the theoretical formulas. Next, three surrounding rock classes, four soil layer thickness gradients, and twelve overburden thickness gradients were designed, resulting in 144 models formed by the combination of the three factors. Uniform tests were conducted, and the pressure arch heights under different surrounding rock classes were obtained. The results show that in the theoretical formulas, the tunnel radius has a linear positive correlation with the pressure arch height, while the tunnel depth has a linear positive correlation with the square of the pressure arch height. According to numerical simulation results, the pressure arch height increases with the increase of the overburden thickness and then tends toward a critical value of twice the tunnel diameter. Finally, the results of the numerical model are in good agreement with those calculated using the theoretical formulas, verifying the rationality of the established theoretical formulas.
基于围岩成拱理论与无铰拱结构理论,推导得到最小覆岩厚度理论公式,并将国内外多条隧道的不同力学特征代入该公式,得到不同围岩等级下的最小自承拱公式。依托实际双模盾构隧道工程案例,建立TBM模式开挖的数值模型,用以验证理论公式。设置3个围岩等级、4个土层厚度梯度和12个覆岩厚度梯度,通过三因素组合形成144个模型,开展均匀试验,得到不同围岩等级下的压力拱高度。结果表明,理论公式中隧道半径与压力拱高度成线性正相关关系,隧道埋深与压力拱高度的平方成线性正相关关系。数值模拟中压力拱高度随覆岩厚度增加而增大,最终趋于一个2倍洞径的临界值。数值结果与理论公式结果吻合良好,从而验证了理论公式的合理性。

References:

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Memo

Memo:
Received: 2025-05-19; Revised: 2025-10-26.
Biography: ZHOU Zhong (1978—), male, doctor, professor, dazhong78@csu.edu.cn.
Foundation items: The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.52478426 ), the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (No.2024JJ5428).
Citation: ZHOU Zhong, SUI Yuchao, YAN Haitao. Theoretical model and numerical simulation research on minimum overburden thickness of TBM excavation based on surrounding rock arching theory[J]. Journal of Southeast University (English Edition), 2026, 42(1): 12-25. DOI: 10. 3969/j. issn. 1003-7985. 2026. 01. 002.
Last Update: 2026-03-20