Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-11DOI: 10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.009
Boyu Jiang, Haibin Wei, Dongsheng Wei, Zipeng Ma, Fuyu Wang
Predicting surface settlement can identify potential risks associated in shield construction. However, in the construction of under-crossing existing structures, the surface settlement is minimal due to the high stiffness of the existing structure, making it unsuitable as a basis for risk assessment. Therefore, interlayer soil settlement was used as an evaluation index in this paper, which was predicted by the developed multi-parameter time series (MPTS) model. This model establishes new dataset, including time, effective stress ratio (ESR), mechanical fluctuation coefficient (MFC), and interlayer soil settlement, where ESR and MFC take into account the changing geological conditions. This study proposes a novel MPTS model, integrating grid search (GS), nonlinear particle swarm optimization (NPSO), and support vector regression (SVR) algorithms to predict interlayer soil settlement during under-crossing construction. It utilizes GS and NPSO to obtain the optimal hyperparameters for SVR. Sensitivity analysis based on MPTS model was used to identify important parameters and propose specific improvement measures. A real under-crossing tunnel project was adopted to verify the effectiveness of the MPTS. The results show that the new input parameters proposed in this paper reduce mean absolute error (MAE) by 20.3% and mean square error (MSE) by 46.7% of prediction results. Compared with the other three algorithms, GS-NPSO-SVR has better prediction performance. Through Sobol sensitivity analysis, previous settlement, ESR and MFC in fully weathered mudstone and moderately weathered mudstone are identified as the primary parameters affecting the interlayer soil settlement. The improvement measures based on analysis results reduce the accumulated settlement by 79.97%. The developed MPTS model can accurately predict the interlayer soil settlement and provide guidance for water stopping or reinforcement construction.
{"title":"Interlayer soil settlement prediction in the construction of under-crossing existing structures based on multi-parameter time series model","authors":"Boyu Jiang, Haibin Wei, Dongsheng Wei, Zipeng Ma, Fuyu Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Predicting surface settlement can identify potential risks associated in shield construction. However, in the construction of under-crossing existing structures, the surface settlement is minimal due to the high stiffness of the existing structure, making it unsuitable as a basis for risk assessment. Therefore, interlayer soil settlement was used as an evaluation index in this paper, which was predicted by the developed multi-parameter time series (MPTS) model. This model establishes new dataset, including time, effective stress ratio (ESR), mechanical fluctuation coefficient (MFC), and interlayer soil settlement, where ESR and MFC take into account the changing geological conditions. This study proposes a novel MPTS model, integrating grid search (GS), nonlinear particle swarm optimization (NPSO), and support vector regression (SVR) algorithms to predict interlayer soil settlement during under-crossing construction. It utilizes GS and NPSO to obtain the optimal hyperparameters for SVR. Sensitivity analysis based on MPTS model was used to identify important parameters and propose specific improvement measures. A real under-crossing tunnel project was adopted to verify the effectiveness of the MPTS. The results show that the new input parameters proposed in this paper reduce mean absolute error (MAE) by 20.3% and mean square error (MSE) by 46.7% of prediction results. Compared with the other three algorithms, GS-NPSO-SVR has better prediction performance. Through Sobol sensitivity analysis, previous settlement, ESR and MFC in fully weathered mudstone and moderately weathered mudstone are identified as the primary parameters affecting the interlayer soil settlement. The improvement measures based on analysis results reduce the accumulated settlement by 79.97%. The developed MPTS model can accurately predict the interlayer soil settlement and provide guidance for water stopping or reinforcement construction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 335-351"},"PeriodicalIF":8.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144904475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-07-24DOI: 10.1016/j.undsp.2025.05.001
Wenhui Yang , Dingwen Zhang , Daniela Boldini
This case study examines a landmark engineering project in Suzhou, China, involving the construction of two large-diameter (13.2 m) shield tunnels beneath an active high-speed railway (HSR) bridge. This pioneering project is the first of its kind in both China and the world. Advanced numerical simulations were conducted to rigorously assess construction risks. To ensure the operational safety of the existing HSR bridge, an innovative protective system, consisting primarily of segmental steel casing concrete pile barriers, was employed. A comprehensive network of monitoring sensors was strategically deployed to track soil, pile barrier, and pier displacements throughout both the protective and tunnelling phases. Simulation results indicated that tunnelling without protective measures could cause pier displacements of up to 3.1 mm along the bridge—exceeding the maximum allowable displacement of 2 mm in accordance with regulations. Monitoring data revealed that the maximum pier displacement during protective scheme installation was limited to 0.5 mm. With these protective measures, pier displacement during each tunnelling phase remained consistently below 0.5 mm, representing an approximate 80% reduction compared to the unprotected scenario, thereby ensuring the continued safety of the HSR bridge.
{"title":"Impact of a large and shallow twin-tunnel excavation on a high-speed railway bridge and related protective measures: A case study","authors":"Wenhui Yang , Dingwen Zhang , Daniela Boldini","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.05.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.05.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This case study examines a landmark engineering project in Suzhou, China, involving the construction of two large-diameter (13.2 m) shield tunnels beneath an active high-speed railway (HSR) bridge. This pioneering project is the first of its kind in both China and the world. Advanced numerical simulations were conducted to rigorously assess construction risks. To ensure the operational safety of the existing HSR bridge, an innovative protective system, consisting primarily of segmental steel casing concrete pile barriers, was employed. A comprehensive network of monitoring sensors was strategically deployed to track soil, pile barrier, and pier displacements throughout both the protective and tunnelling phases. Simulation results indicated that tunnelling without protective measures could cause pier displacements of up to 3.1 mm along the bridge—exceeding the maximum allowable displacement of 2 mm in accordance with regulations. Monitoring data revealed that the maximum pier displacement during protective scheme installation was limited to 0.5 mm. With these protective measures, pier displacement during each tunnelling phase remained consistently below 0.5 mm, representing an approximate 80% reduction compared to the unprotected scenario, thereby ensuring the continued safety of the HSR bridge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 216-237"},"PeriodicalIF":8.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144810521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-07-16DOI: 10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.004
Xinyu Liu , Hongjun Liu , Jie Dong , Peng Yu , Honghua Liu , Guanghua Cheng
Scientific development and utilization of urban underground space is an inevitable choice for sustainable urban development. However, in the previous suitability evaluation of underground space in coastal cities, the development potential of underground space in the sea area is not considered. Therefore, this study takes the coastal zone of Jiaozhou bay as the study area, establishes evaluation index systems for land and sea areas separately, and explores a new model for evaluating the suitability of underground space in coastal cities by integrating land and sea. In addition, an underground space suitability evaluation model based on the integration of Pythagorean fuzzy sets and Bayesian network is proposed. Firstly, the Pythagorean triangular fuzzy numbers are used to expand the fuzzy range of expert opinions. Then the Pythagorean triangular fuzzy hybrid geometric operator is used to realize the aggregation of expert opinions to solve the difficulty of obtaining the node conditional probability table by the traditional Bayesian network model of underground space suitability evaluation. Finally, the Pythagorean fuzzy Bayesian network is used as an evaluation tool to carry out the underground space suitability evaluation. Based on the evaluation result and urban planning, the overall planning and functional zoning guidelines for underground space development in the study area are given and the suitability and engineering construction difficulty analysis on the second subsea tunnel of Jiaozhou bay is conducted. The research results can provide a valuable reference for the coastal city planning department to develop and utilize underground space.
{"title":"Land-sea integrated suitability evaluation of underground space based on Pythagorean fuzzy Bayesian network","authors":"Xinyu Liu , Hongjun Liu , Jie Dong , Peng Yu , Honghua Liu , Guanghua Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scientific development and utilization of urban underground space is an inevitable choice for sustainable urban development. However, in the previous suitability evaluation of underground space in coastal cities, the development potential of underground space in the sea area is not considered. Therefore, this study takes the coastal zone of Jiaozhou bay as the study area, establishes evaluation index systems for land and sea areas separately, and explores a new model for evaluating the suitability of underground space in coastal cities by integrating land and sea. In addition, an underground space suitability evaluation model based on the integration of Pythagorean fuzzy sets and Bayesian network is proposed. Firstly, the Pythagorean triangular fuzzy numbers are used to expand the fuzzy range of expert opinions. Then the Pythagorean triangular fuzzy hybrid geometric operator is used to realize the aggregation of expert opinions to solve the difficulty of obtaining the node conditional probability table by the traditional Bayesian network model of underground space suitability evaluation. Finally, the Pythagorean fuzzy Bayesian network is used as an evaluation tool to carry out the underground space suitability evaluation. Based on the evaluation result and urban planning, the overall planning and functional zoning guidelines for underground space development in the study area are given and the suitability and engineering construction difficulty analysis on the second subsea tunnel of Jiaozhou bay is conducted. The research results can provide a valuable reference for the coastal city planning department to develop and utilize underground space.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 197-215"},"PeriodicalIF":8.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144771150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This paper presents a study on multi-objective optimization (MOO) of shield operational parameters (SOPs) for soft ground tunneling using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) in an urban environment, focusing on the case study of the MRT Blue Line in Bangkok. The investigation aims to determine the optimal combination of SOPs, consisting of face pressure (), thrust force (), grout pressure (), and percent grout filling (), along with relevant environmental factors, including tunnel depth (), inverted groundwater level (), and type of surrounding soil (). The primary objective is to enhance the penetration rate (, in terms of average value), as cost consideration, while mitigating ground surface settlement (), as safety (serviceability) consideration. Using long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks as predictive models, the results yield coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.81 and 0.96, root mean square error (RMSE) values of 5.91 mm/min and 3.09 mm, and average bias factor values of 0.99 and 0.88 for the and predictive models, respectively, based on validation datasets. This integrated framework, which combines the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) with LSTM neural networks, is applied to MOO to identify the optimal SOPs, while accounting for their influence on variation as a time-series over 11 timesteps, as considered in this study. For simplification and practical field implementation, the same set of SOP values is applied across all 11 timesteps during the optimization process. Using the proposed optimization framework, the optimal results demonstrate improvements in , increasing by up to 109.8% (from 13.99 to 29.35 mm) and in , reducing up to 79.6% (from 34.55 to 7.06 mm) when MOO is conducted as a time series using the simplified method. This finding provides a valuable approach to effectively address the sequential uncertainties of relevant factors in soft ground tunneling for similar projects.
{"title":"Artificial intelligence-optimized shield parameters for soft ground tunneling in urban environment: A case study of Bangkok MRT Blue Line","authors":"Sahatsawat Wainiphithapong , Chana Phutthananon , Sompote Youwai , Pitthaya Jamsawang , Phattarawan Malaisree , Ochok Duangsano , Pornkasem Jongpradist","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents a study on multi-objective optimization (MOO) of shield operational parameters (SOPs) for soft ground tunneling using a tunnel boring machine (TBM) in an urban environment, focusing on the case study of the MRT Blue Line in Bangkok. The investigation aims to determine the optimal combination of SOPs, consisting of face pressure (<span><math><msub><mi>F</mi><mtext>p</mtext></msub></math></span>), thrust force (<span><math><msub><mi>T</mi><mtext>f</mtext></msub></math></span>), grout pressure (<span><math><msub><mi>G</mi><mtext>p</mtext></msub></math></span>), and percent grout filling (<span><math><msub><mi>G</mi><mtext>f</mtext></msub></math></span>), along with relevant environmental factors, including tunnel depth (<span><math><msub><mi>T</mi><mtext>d</mtext></msub></math></span>), inverted groundwater level (<span><math><msub><mi>W</mi><mtext>i</mtext></msub></math></span>), and type of surrounding soil (<span><math><msub><mi>T</mi><mtext>s</mtext></msub></math></span>). The primary objective is to enhance the penetration rate (<span><math><msub><mi>P</mi><mtext>avg</mtext></msub></math></span>, in terms of average value), as cost consideration, while mitigating ground surface settlement (<span><math><mi>S</mi></math></span>), as safety (serviceability) consideration. Using long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks as predictive models, the results yield coefficient of determination (<em>R</em><sup>2</sup>) values of 0.81 and 0.96, root mean square error (RMSE) values of 5.91 mm/min and 3.09 mm, and average bias factor values of 0.99 and 0.88 for the <span><math><mi>P</mi></math></span> and <span><math><mi>S</mi></math></span> predictive models, respectively, based on validation datasets. This integrated framework, which combines the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) with LSTM neural networks, is applied to MOO to identify the optimal SOPs, while accounting for their influence on <span><math><mi>S</mi></math></span> variation as a time-series over 11 timesteps, as considered in this study. For simplification and practical field implementation, the same set of SOP values is applied across all 11 timesteps during the optimization process. Using the proposed optimization framework, the optimal results demonstrate improvements in <span><math><msub><mi>P</mi><mtext>avg</mtext></msub></math></span>, increasing by up to 109.8% (from 13.99 to 29.35 mm) and in <span><math><mi>S</mi></math></span>, reducing up to 79.6% (from 34.55 to 7.06 mm) when MOO is conducted as a time series using the simplified method. This finding provides a valuable approach to effectively address the sequential uncertainties of relevant factors in soft ground tunneling for similar projects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 311-334"},"PeriodicalIF":8.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144878881","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1016/j.undsp.2025.03.002
Zhiguo Zhang , Jian Wei , Junjie Li , Linlong Mu , Wei Wo , Yin Ni
Pit excavation work often occurs directly above metro tunnels, causing adverse effects on the underlying existing operational shield tunnel. Current simplified solutions mainly adopt stress release method to reflect excavation of foundation pit, which is inappropriate for large soil uplift. A two-stage analysis based on modified Sagaseta solution with displacement-controlled boundary condition and tunnel-soil coordinated constrain is promoted for estimating the mechanical behavior of tunnel with joints. Specifically, the modified Sagaseta solution including gravity effects is firstly used to obtain the soil greenfield displacement caused by foundation pit excavation. Secondly, the Pasternak foundation model, incorporating tunnel-soil ellipse-shaped deformation, combines a variable stiffness Timoshenko beam at tunnel joints and ultimately obtains the tunnel displacement curve. Furthermore, a three-dimensional numerical simulation is also conducted for Jinqiao metro superstructure excavation project that involves a foundation pit situated directly above an existing metro tunnel. The feasibility of simplified solutions is verified with numerical simulation solutions and an engineering case. For investigating the key parameters, the parametric analyses are conducted, indicating that the greenfield displacement is highly related to modified uneven convergence Sagaseta solution. The ignoration of excavation width will overestimate the tunnel displacement as plane strain condition. Both equivalent bending and shear stiffness can only influence corresponding bending and shear tunnel deformation.
{"title":"Investigation on foundation pit uplift mechanism and tunnel response induced by deep excavation under complex support system: A case study","authors":"Zhiguo Zhang , Jian Wei , Junjie Li , Linlong Mu , Wei Wo , Yin Ni","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.03.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.03.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pit excavation work often occurs directly above metro tunnels, causing adverse effects on the underlying existing operational shield tunnel. Current simplified solutions mainly adopt stress release method to reflect excavation of foundation pit, which is inappropriate for large soil uplift. A two-stage analysis based on modified Sagaseta solution with displacement-controlled boundary condition and tunnel-soil coordinated constrain is promoted for estimating the mechanical behavior of tunnel with joints. Specifically, the modified Sagaseta solution including gravity effects is firstly used to obtain the soil greenfield displacement caused by foundation pit excavation. Secondly, the Pasternak foundation model, incorporating tunnel-soil ellipse-shaped deformation, combines a variable stiffness Timoshenko beam at tunnel joints and ultimately obtains the tunnel displacement curve. Furthermore, a three-dimensional numerical simulation is also conducted for Jinqiao metro superstructure excavation project that involves a foundation pit situated directly above an existing metro tunnel. The feasibility of simplified solutions is verified with numerical simulation solutions and an engineering case. For investigating the key parameters, the parametric analyses are conducted, indicating that the greenfield displacement is highly related to modified uneven convergence Sagaseta solution. The ignoration of excavation width will overestimate the tunnel displacement as plane strain condition. Both equivalent bending and shear stiffness can only influence corresponding bending and shear tunnel deformation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 104-128"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144713824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The seismic performance of tunnel structure can be examined by fragility analysis, which determines the probability that demand will exceed capacity for a given hazard intensity. Although it is commonly understood that earthquake uncertainties dominate fragility features, the implication of ground motion characteristics on the shield tunnel fragility analysis has not been comprehensively explored. Thus, this study aims to compare the effects of various earthquake characteristics on the fragility of the investigated shield tunnels. To this end, a typical shield tunnel was chosen and modelled using the finite element software. In addition, to account for typical ground motion characteristics, various ground motion sets, including near-field no plus motions (NFNP), near-field motions with a pulse (NFP), and far-field motions (FF), are selected, and a fragility analysis was assessed for every set of ground motion. The fragility curves were generated employing peak ground acceleration (PGA) as the intensity measure (IM) and tunnel drift as the damage measure (DM). The findings indicate that shield tunnels subjected to NFP may be more vulnerable compared to those subjected to NFNP and FF ground motions. This study’s findings highlight the vital role of ground motion characteristics in evaluating the fragility of shield tunnels. Moreover, the results may inform future seismic risk and resiliency evaluations regarding the importance of considering or disregarding the impacts of ground motion characteristics on tunnel vulnerability.
{"title":"Impact of ground motion characteristics on the seismic fragility of circular tunnels","authors":"Zhong-Kai Huang , Dong-Mei Zhang , Wu-Yu Zhang , Yong-Bo Li","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2024.09.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2024.09.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The seismic performance of tunnel structure can be examined by fragility analysis, which determines the probability that demand will exceed capacity for a given hazard intensity. Although it is commonly understood that earthquake uncertainties dominate fragility features, the implication of ground motion characteristics on the shield tunnel fragility analysis has not been comprehensively explored. Thus, this study aims to compare the effects of various earthquake characteristics on the fragility of the investigated shield tunnels. To this end, a typical shield tunnel was chosen and modelled using the finite element software. In addition, to account for typical ground motion characteristics, various ground motion sets, including near-field no plus motions (NFNP), near-field motions with a pulse (NFP), and far-field motions (FF), are selected, and a fragility analysis was assessed for every set of ground motion. The fragility curves were generated employing peak ground acceleration (PGA) as the intensity measure (IM) and tunnel drift as the damage measure (DM). The findings indicate that shield tunnels subjected to NFP may be more vulnerable compared to those subjected to NFNP and FF ground motions. This study’s findings highlight the vital role of ground motion characteristics in evaluating the fragility of shield tunnels. Moreover, the results may inform future seismic risk and resiliency evaluations regarding the importance of considering or disregarding the impacts of ground motion characteristics on tunnel vulnerability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 180-196"},"PeriodicalIF":8.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144757373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-26DOI: 10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.010
Xiao Yuan , Shuying Wang , Tongming Qu , Huanhuan Feng , Pengfei Liu , Junhao Zeng
Muck clogging during shield tunneling often leads to reduced construction efficiency, increased costs and potential safety hazards. Traditional methods for predicting muck clogging primarily rely on the operator’s experience and conventional risk maps, but have limitations in dealing with complex construction conditions. To address these issues, this study presents a Monte-Carlo dropout (MCD)-assisted multi-fidelity neural network (MFNN) framework for effective prediction of muck clogging risk. First, a low-fidelity model is trained based on synthesized data using clogging risk maps. Subsequently, in-situ tunneling data are used as high-fidelity data to train multi-fidelity models. MCD serves to evaluate the uncertainty of the MFNN’s inference, combined with an active learning strategy to refine the low-fidelity model via iterative training of the high-fidelity model. Experimental results show that the MCD-assisted MFNN framework captures clogging features more effectively than traditional machine learning models that use only single-fidelity data, especially in scenarios with imbalanced data. This study provides a viable solution for complex problems in shield tunneling by fully utilizing both experiential knowledge accumulated in engineering practice and field monitoring data, demonstrating the potential of integrating knowledge and data in tackling some challenges that were previously unresolved.
{"title":"Multi-fidelity knowledge inheritance with active querying for data-driven clogging prediction during mechanized tunneling","authors":"Xiao Yuan , Shuying Wang , Tongming Qu , Huanhuan Feng , Pengfei Liu , Junhao Zeng","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Muck clogging during shield tunneling often leads to reduced construction efficiency, increased costs and potential safety hazards. Traditional methods for predicting muck clogging primarily rely on the operator’s experience and conventional risk maps, but have limitations in dealing with complex construction conditions. To address these issues, this study presents a Monte-Carlo dropout (MCD)-assisted multi-fidelity neural network (MFNN) framework for effective prediction of muck clogging risk. First, a low-fidelity model is trained based on synthesized data using clogging risk maps. Subsequently, in-situ tunneling data are used as high-fidelity data to train multi-fidelity models. MCD serves to evaluate the uncertainty of the MFNN’s inference, combined with an active learning strategy to refine the low-fidelity model via iterative training of the high-fidelity model. Experimental results show that the MCD-assisted MFNN framework captures clogging features more effectively than traditional machine learning models that use only single-fidelity data, especially in scenarios with imbalanced data. This study provides a viable solution for complex problems in shield tunneling by fully utilizing both experiential knowledge accumulated in engineering practice and field monitoring data, demonstrating the potential of integrating knowledge and data in tackling some challenges that were previously unresolved.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 371-386"},"PeriodicalIF":8.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.undsp.2025.05.002
Zhenyu Sun, Dingli Zhang, Muyang Li, Huiruo Wu
Tunnelling in layered rock with high geostress can cause large deformation disasters, and the reasonable countermeasures rely on a full understanding of the self-bearing capacity of the surrounding rock. In this article, the structural ring concept was introduced to represent the load-bearing capacity of the horizontal layered surrounding rock, whose formation mechanism and determination method were analyzed. Firstly, the mechanical response characteristics of the horizontal layered surrounding rock due to excavation were analyzed. Based on the stress transfer mechanism, the new concept of the structural ring which is a closed structure with a certain thickness was presented. Taking the stress element as the basic analytical model, the maximum increase ratio of the compressive stress was adopted to characterize the structural ring. Then the determination method and its implementation algorithm of the structural ring boundaries were proposed, based on which the beam-arch property of the layered rock was investigated. A series of model tests were carried out to validate the proposed structural ring concept and its determination method. Parametric studies were conducted to illustrate the effect of geological conditions and tunnel geometry on the position and shape of structural rings. Furthermore, the application of the structural ring concept in support design was discussed. It was found that the structural ring was usually oval-shaped with the major axis direction consistent with the dominant in-situ stress. Rock layers had a significant effect on the structural ring, and the beam-arch property was affected by the interlayers and bedding spacing. The support system was beneficial for the formation of the structural ring, which should be designed to balance the support capacity and the stability of the structural ring.
{"title":"Formation mechanism of the structural ring for tunnels in horizontal layered rock with high geostress","authors":"Zhenyu Sun, Dingli Zhang, Muyang Li, Huiruo Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tunnelling in layered rock with high geostress can cause large deformation disasters, and the reasonable countermeasures rely on a full understanding of the self-bearing capacity of the surrounding rock. In this article, the structural ring concept was introduced to represent the load-bearing capacity of the horizontal layered surrounding rock, whose formation mechanism and determination method were analyzed. Firstly, the mechanical response characteristics of the horizontal layered surrounding rock due to excavation were analyzed. Based on the stress transfer mechanism, the new concept of the structural ring which is a closed structure with a certain thickness was presented. Taking the stress element as the basic analytical model, the maximum increase ratio of the compressive stress was adopted to characterize the structural ring. Then the determination method and its implementation algorithm of the structural ring boundaries were proposed, based on which the beam-arch property of the layered rock was investigated. A series of model tests were carried out to validate the proposed structural ring concept and its determination method. Parametric studies were conducted to illustrate the effect of geological conditions and tunnel geometry on the position and shape of structural rings. Furthermore, the application of the structural ring concept in support design was discussed. It was found that the structural ring was usually oval-shaped with the major axis direction consistent with the dominant in-situ stress. Rock layers had a significant effect on the structural ring, and the beam-arch property was affected by the interlayers and bedding spacing. The support system was beneficial for the formation of the structural ring, which should be designed to balance the support capacity and the stability of the structural ring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 387-411"},"PeriodicalIF":8.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145104697","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-07-09DOI: 10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.002
Xu Song , Chang-Wei Miao , Ren-Peng Chen , Xiao-Ning Deng , Yu Zhang , Jun-Qing Wang , Xiao-Fei Chen
The soil arching effect induced by deep-buried shield tunneling strongly influenced the ground stress and displacement. Therefore, revealing the evolution mechanism of the soil arching effect is a prerequisite for accurately predicting the tunnel load, which has not been understood in deep-buried conditions. Three model tests and eight numerical simulations were carried out to enhance the understanding of the soil arching evolution, in which the stress field, displacement field, and strain field were analysed. The experimental and numerical results indicated that the ground reaction curve presented a two-stage development process of an initially linear decrease followed by a gradual decrease. Compared with the theoretical tunnel loads, the measured and numerical values are relatively larger due to the loosening earth pressure theory ignoring the evolution process of the soil arching effect. The soil arching height decreases with the increase in stress level, measuring 1.75D (the initial diameter of the model tunnel), 1.65D, and 1.61D, respectively, which results from the lagging evolution of the soil arching effect under high-stress conditions. The formation of the shear band was affected by the stress-dependent dilatancy of the soil. At low stress levels, the shear band develops vertically upward. In contrast, at higher stress levels, the shear bands tilt towards the lateral side.
{"title":"Experimental and numerical study on the soil arching effect caused by deep-buried shield tunneling","authors":"Xu Song , Chang-Wei Miao , Ren-Peng Chen , Xiao-Ning Deng , Yu Zhang , Jun-Qing Wang , Xiao-Fei Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The soil arching effect induced by deep-buried shield tunneling strongly influenced the ground stress and displacement. Therefore, revealing the evolution mechanism of the soil arching effect is a prerequisite for accurately predicting the tunnel load, which has not been understood in deep-buried conditions. Three model tests and eight numerical simulations were carried out to enhance the understanding of the soil arching evolution, in which the stress field, displacement field, and strain field were analysed. The experimental and numerical results indicated that the ground reaction curve presented a two-stage development process of an initially linear decrease followed by a gradual decrease. Compared with the theoretical tunnel loads, the measured and numerical values are relatively larger due to the loosening earth pressure theory ignoring the evolution process of the soil arching effect. The soil arching height decreases with the increase in stress level, measuring 1.75<em>D</em> (the initial diameter of the model tunnel), 1.65<em>D</em>, and 1.61<em>D</em>, respectively, which results from the lagging evolution of the soil arching effect under high-stress conditions. The formation of the shear band was affected by the stress-dependent dilatancy of the soil. At low stress levels, the shear band develops vertically upward. In contrast, at higher stress levels, the shear bands tilt towards the lateral side.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 129-141"},"PeriodicalIF":8.2,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144713827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Challenges arise in automate design with building information modeling (BIM) in underground space. Industry foundation classes (IFC) standard lacks detailed entity objects for describing excavation retaining structures and geological information, and automated design based on BIM models is not yet for practical application. This study presents a novel automated framework. It integrates the extended IFC standard with mechanical analysis and BIM modeling, significantly advancing structural optimization and rebar detailing. Direct 3D model generation streamlines complex excavation projects, aligning with the trend towards automated, precision-driven design. Key contributions include: (1) the extension of the IFC standard to support excavation retaining structures with objects like IfcBracedPit and IfcPitWall, improving interoperability between geotechnical models and BIM systems; (2) the integration of heuristic algorithms for automated optimization of deformation control parameters, reducing manual intervention; and (3) the promotion of design methodology that bypasses two-dimensional modeling and directly generates three-dimensional models, enhancing efficiency and allowing engineers to focus on high-level decision-making. However, the framework is primarily suited for standard cross-section projects like subway stations and tunnels. Future work will focus on refining the framework for more complex geotechnical projects, addressing software independence and improving design robustness and independence.
{"title":"Automated design framework for excavation retaining structures: Extending IFC standards and integrating BIM with geotechnical simulation","authors":"Qiwei Wan, Yuyuan Zhu, Haibin Ding, Wentao Hu, Changjie Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.undsp.2025.04.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Challenges arise in automate design with building information modeling (BIM) in underground space. Industry foundation classes (IFC) standard lacks detailed entity objects for describing excavation retaining structures and geological information, and automated design based on BIM models is not yet for practical application. This study presents a novel automated framework. It integrates the extended IFC standard with mechanical analysis and BIM modeling, significantly advancing structural optimization and rebar detailing. Direct 3D model generation streamlines complex excavation projects, aligning with the trend towards automated, precision-driven design. Key contributions include: (1) the extension of the IFC standard to support excavation retaining structures with objects like IfcBracedPit and IfcPitWall, improving interoperability between geotechnical models and BIM systems; (2) the integration of heuristic algorithms for automated optimization of deformation control parameters, reducing manual intervention; and (3) the promotion of design methodology that bypasses two-dimensional modeling and directly generates three-dimensional models, enhancing efficiency and allowing engineers to focus on high-level decision-making. However, the framework is primarily suited for standard cross-section projects like subway stations and tunnels. Future work will focus on refining the framework for more complex geotechnical projects, addressing software independence and improving design robustness and independence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48505,"journal":{"name":"Underground Space","volume":"24 ","pages":"Pages 261-282"},"PeriodicalIF":8.3,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144864262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}