Three-Dimensional Seepage Investigation of Riverside Tunnel Construction Considering Heterogeneous Permeability
Publication: ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part A: Civil Engineering
Volume 7, Issue 4
Abstract
Seepage is a major concern during the construction of a riverside tunnel, because the seepage may cause both hydraulic and mechanical problems. At present, there are some well-accepted methods combining the hydraulic-mechanical coupling effect. This paper investigated a tunnel near a riverside under seepage forces using hydraulic-mechanical coupling analysis. Two cases were considered: an unlined tunnel without waterproofing, and a tunnel with a cement-treated soil surround acting as water barrier. The spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity was taken into account using random finite-element analysis. Results indicated that the analysis is able to account reasonably for the variation range of soil parameters. The arithmetic mean of hydraulic conductivity could serve as a rule of thumb estimation for a macroscale representative hydraulic conductivity. The results are likely to yield a scientific estimation of the seepage flow as well as a better understanding of the potential tunnel collapse mechanism.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research is supported by the NSFC-NRF 3rd Joint Research Grant (Earth Science) (Grant No. 41861144022) and the National Natural Science foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51879203 and 52079099).
References
Ahmed, A. A. 2013. “Stochastic analysis of seepage under hydraulic structures resting on anisotropic heterogeneous soils.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 139 (6): 1001–1004. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000813.
Andreini, M., P. Gardoni, S. Pagliara, and M. Sassu. 2016. “Probabilistic models for erosion parameters and reliability analysis of earth dams and levees.” J. Risk Uncertainty Eng. Syst. Part A: Civ. Eng. 2 (4): 04016006. https://doi.org/10.1061/AJRUA6.0000878.
Ashfaq, M., M. Heeralal, and A. A. B. Moghal. 2020. “Characterization studies on coal gangue for sustainable geotechnics.” Innov. Infrastruct. Solutions 5 (1): 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-020-0267-3.
Benson, C. H. 1993. “Probability distributions for hydraulic conductivity of compacted soil liners.” J. Geotech. Eng. 119 (3): 471–486. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1993)119:3(471).
Calamak, M., and A. M. Yanmaz. 2017. “Uncertainty quantification of transient unsaturated seepage through embankment dams.” Int. J. Geomech. 17 (6): 04016125. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000823.
Chen, Y.-F., X.-M. Ling, M.-M. Liu, R. Hu, and Z. Yang. 2018. “Statistical distribution of hydraulic conductivity of rocks in deep-incised valleys, Southwest China.” J. Hydrol. 566 (12): 216–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.09.016.
Cho, S. E. 2012. “Probabilistic analysis of seepage that considers the spatial variability of permeability for an embankment on soil foundation.” Eng. Geol. 133 (Apr): 30–39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2012.02.013.
Cho, S. E. 2014. “Probabilistic stability analysis of rainfall-induced landslides considering spatial variability of permeability.” Eng. Geol. 171 (Mar): 11–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2013.12.015.
Chu-Agor, M. L., G. V. Wilson, and G. A. Fox. 2008. “Numerical modeling of bank instability by seepage erosion undercutting of layered streambanks.” J. Hydrol. Eng. 13 (12): 1133–1145. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1084-0699(2008)13:12(1133).
Coli, M., and A. Pinzani. 2014. “Tunnelling and hydrogeological issues: A short review of the current state of the art.” Rock Mech. Rock Eng. 47 (3): 839–851. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-012-0319-x.
Daigle, H., and E. J. Screaton. 2015. “Predicting the permeability of sediments entering subduction zones.” Geophys. Res. Lett. 42 (13): 5219–5226. https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL064542.
Fei, K., and J. Peng. 2016. Abaqus geotechnical engineering case study. [In Chinese.] Beijing: Posts & Telecom Press.
Fenton, G. A., and D. V. Griffiths. 1993. “Statistics of block conductivity through a simple bounded stochastic medium.” Water Resour. Res. 29 (6): 1825–1830. https://doi.org/10.1029/93WR00412.
Fenton, G. A., and D. V. Griffiths. 2008. Risk assessment in geotechnical engineering. New York: Wiley.
Fernandez, G., and T. A. Alvarez Jr. 1994. “Seepage-induced effective stresses and water pressures around pressure tunnels.” J. Geotech. Eng. 120 (1): 108–128. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9410(1994)120:1(108).
Griffiths, D. V., and G. A. Fenton. 1993. “Seepage beneath water retaining structures founded on spatially random soil.” Géotechnique 43 (4): 577–587. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1993.43.4.577.
Griffiths, D. V., and G. A. Fenton. 1998. “Probabilistic analysis of exit gradients due to steady seepage.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 124 (9): 789–797. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(1998)124:9(789).
Gui, S., R. Zhang, J. P. Turner, and X. Xue. 2000. “Probabilistic slope stability analysis with stochastic hydraulic conductivity.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 126 (1): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2000)126:1(1).
Han, X., W. Chen, and Q. Wang. 2015. “Construction technology for anti-seepage wall of foundation pit of dry dock in water-rich sand strata adjacent to river: case study on dry dock of Honggu tunnel in Nanchang.” [In Chinese] Tunnel Constr. 35 (10): 1082–1088. https://doi.org/10.3973/j.issn.1672-741X.2015.10.018.
Huang, X., H. Schweiger, and H. Huang. 2013. “Influence of deep excavations on nearby existing tunnels.” Int. J. Geomech. 13 (2): 170–180. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000188.
Jensen, J. L. 1991. “Use of the geometric average for effective permeability estimation.” Math. Geosci. 23 (6): 833–840. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02068778.
Liu, Y., F.-H. Lee, S.-T. Quek, and M. Beer. 2014. “Modified linear estimation method for generating multi-dimensional multi-variate Gaussian field in modelling material properties.” Probab. Eng. Mech. 38 (Oct): 42–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.probengmech.2014.09.001.
Liu, Y., S.-T. Quek, and F.-H. Lee. 2016. “Translation random field with marginal beta distribution in modeling material properties.” Struct. Saf. 61 (Jul): 57–66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strusafe.2016.04.001.
Liu, Y., R. H. Wang, M. Y. Wang, and E. J. Chen. 2019. “Seepage evaluation in tunnel construction considering the spatial variability of surrounding soils.” In Proc., 29th European Safety and Reliability Conf., 3263–3268. Singapore: Research Publishing. https://doi.org/10.3850/978-981-11-2724-3_1062-cd.
Maffra, C. R. B., and F. J. Sutili. 2020. “The use of soil bioengineering to overcome erosion problems in a pipeline river crossing in South America.” Innov. Inf. Solutions 5 (1): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-020-0273-5.
Mao, C. X., X. B. Duan, and L. J. Wu. 2009. “Discussion again on seepage force and its application.” [In Chinese.] J. Yangtze River Sci. Res. Inst. 26 (1): 1–5.
Pan, Y., K. Yao, K. K. Phoon, and F. H. Lee. 2019. “Analysis of tunnelling through spatially-variable improved surrounding—A simplified approach.” Tunnelling Underground Space Technol. 93 (8): 103102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2019.103102.
Phoon, K.-K., and F. H. Kulhawy. 1999. “Characterization of geotechnical variability.” Can. Geotech. J. 36 (4): 612–624. https://doi.org/10.1139/t99-038.
Rabinovich, A., B. Li, and L. J. Durlofsky. 2016. “Analytical approximations for effective relative permeability in the capillary limit.” Water Resour. Res. 52 (10): 7645–7667. https://doi.org/10.1002/2016WR019234.
Rice, J., and L. Polanco. 2012. “Reliability-based underseepage analysis in levees using a response surface–Monte Carlo simulation method.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 138 (7): 821–830. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000650.
Shi, C., C. Cao, M. Lei, and W. Yang. 2016. “Face stability analysis of shallow underwater tunnels in fractured zones.” Arabian J. Geosci. 9 (1): 24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-015-2040-z.
Shin, Y.-J., K.-I. Song, I.-M. Lee, and G.-C. Cho. 2011. “Interaction between tunnel supports and ground convergence—Consideration of seepage forces.” Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 48 (3): 394–405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2011.01.003.
Srivastava, A., G. L. S. Babu, and S. Haldar. 2010. “Influence of spatial variability of permeability property on steady state seepage flow and slope stability analysis.” Eng. Geol. 110 (3): 93–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2009.11.006.
Swiss Standard. 1999. Characteristics coefficient of soils. Zürich, Switzerland: Association of Swiss Road and Traffic Engineers.
Tyagi, A., Y. Liu, Y.-T. Pan, K. B. M. Ridhwan, and F.-H. Lee. 2018. “Stability of tunnels in cement-admixed soft soils with spatial variability.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 144 (12): 06018012. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001988.
Tyagi, A., M. F. B. Zulkefli, Y. Pan, S.-H. Goh, and F.-H. Lee. 2017. “Failure modes of tunnels with improved soil surrounds.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 143 (11): 04017088. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001788.
Wang, H., H. Huang, Y. Feng, and D. Zhang. 2018. “Characterization of crack and leakage defects of concrete linings of road tunnels in china.” J. Risk Uncertainty Eng. Syst. Part A: Civ. Eng. 4 (4): 04018041. https://doi.org/10.1061/AJRUA6.0000989.
Wang, R.-H., D.-Q. Li, M.-Y. Wang, and Y. Liu. 2021. “Deterministic and probabilistic investigations of piping occurrence during tunneling through spatially variable soils.” J. Risk Uncertainty Eng. Syst. Part A: Civ. Eng. 7 (2): 04021009. https://doi.org/10.1061/AJRUA6.0001124.
Wang, Y., C. Li, X. Zhou, and X. Wei. 2017. “Seepage piping evolution characteristics in bimsoils-an experimental study.” Water 9 (7): 458. https://doi.org/10.3390/w9070458.
Wilson, G. V., R. K. Periketi, G. A. Fox, S. M. Dabney, F. D. Shields, and R. F. Cullum. 2007. “Soil properties controlling seepage erosion contributions to streambank failure.” Earth Surf. Process. Landf. 32 (3): 447–459. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.1405.
Xiao, H. W. 2009. “Yielding and failure of cement treated soil.” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National Univ. of Singapore.
Zhang, D.-M., C.-P. Gao, and Z.-Y. Yin. 2019. “CFD-DEM modeling of seepage erosion around shield tunnels.” Tunnelling Underground Space Technol. 83 (2): 60–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2018.09.017.
Zhang, W., K. Maeda, H. Saito, Z. Li, and Y. Huang. 2016. “Numerical analysis on seepage failures of dike due to water level-up and rainfall using a water–soil-coupled smoothed particle hydrodynamics model.” Acta Geotech. 11 (6): 1401–1418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-016-0488-y.
Zimmermann, B., and H. Elsenbeer. 2008. “Spatial and temporal variability of soil saturated hydraulic conductivity in gradients of disturbance.” J. Hydrol. 361 (1): 78–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2008.07.027.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part A: Civil Engineering
Volume 7 • Issue 4 • December 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 23, 2020
Accepted: Jun 1, 2021
Published online: Jul 21, 2021
Published in print: Dec 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Dec 21, 2021
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
Cited by
- Ruohan Wang, Guan Chen, Yong Liu, Internal Piping Erosion Evaluation of Embankment Dam Considering the Spatial Variability of Soil Properties, ASCE-ASME Journal of Risk and Uncertainty in Engineering Systems, Part A: Civil Engineering, 10.1061/AJRUA6.RUENG-1218, 10, 2, (2024).
- Ruohan Wang, Jiayi Ouyang, Vasileios C. Fragkoulis, Yong Liu, Michael Beer, Experimental model updating of slope considering spatially varying soil properties and dynamic loading, Earthquake Engineering and Resilience, 10.1002/eer2.70, 3, 1, (33-53), (2024).
- Yu Wang, Yanchang Gu, Shijun Wang, Xiangbao Duan, Mathematical Modeling of Seepage–Temperature Field for Earth Dam Using Experimental Test, Mathematical Problems in Engineering, 10.1155/2023/9944595, 2023, (1-10), (2023).
- Ziquan Chen, Chuan He, Yuhan Zhang, Zhongyuan Xu, Zheng Li, Bingxin Yu, The impact of formation heterogeneity on water discharge and groundwater depletion of an excavated tunnel, Journal of Hydrology, 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2023.130403, 627, (130403), (2023).
- Jianye Ching, Zhi-Yu Chen, Kok-Kwang Phoon, Homogenization of spatially variable hydraulic conductivity in the presence of a geotechnical structure, Computers and Geotechnics, 10.1016/j.compgeo.2023.105255, 156, (105255), (2023).
- Bethy Merchán-Sanmartín, Joselyn Aucapeña-Parrales, Ricardo Alcívar-Redrován, Paúl Carrión-Mero, María Jaya-Montalvo, Mijail Arias-Hidalgo, Earth Dam Design for Drinking Water Management and Flood Control: A Case Study, Water, 10.3390/w14132029, 14, 13, (2029), (2022).