Three-dimensional interaction of twin tunnels numerical analysis of the Waterloo International Terminal case study
Author(s)
Stewart, Matthew
Ruiz Lopez, Agustin
Tsiampousi, Aikaterini
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Being able to predict with precision and certainty how existing tunnels respond to new tunnelling works in urban areas is vital for the safety of the existing tunnels and for minimising the cost and environmental impact of the new tunnels. The three-dimensional interaction of tunnels in stiff, overconsolidated clays has mainly been restricted to field studies, with only a few generic numerical studies. Nonetheless, a large part of underground tunnel construction has happened and continues to occur in overconsolidated clays. The paper bridges this gap by using the case study of Waterloo International Terminal, where two new tunnels were excavated beneath two 70 year-old tunnels, to validate a numerical model. The validated numerical results provide new, valuable insights into the differences and similarities of the response of the existing tunnels depending on their typology (running or station tunnels) and on the time after the excavation of the new tunnels. Furthermore, they reveal the significance of the stiffness reduction factors that need to be applied to account for the segmental nature of the tunnel linings, highlighting the need for further research into the operational value of the tunnel stiffness.
Date Issued
2025-11-01
Date Acceptance
2025-05-19
Citation
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 2025, 151 (11)
ISSN
0733-9410
Publisher
American Society of Civil Engineers
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume
151
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
© 2025 American Society of Civil Engineers. This is the author’s accepted manuscript made available under a CC-BY licence in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy)
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-08-28