Sub-model stress analysis for construction process of a metro crossing passage tunnel with shield machine

Abstract

Abstract This paper aims to simulate and optimize the structure stress during the construction process of a metro crossing passage tunnel with shield machine. Taking the world first metro crossing passage tunnel with shield method at Ningbo Metro Line 3 as an example, a finite element analysis model is developed to simulate the construction process. To achieve accurate results in some key structural components local sub-model approach is applied for some of sub-structures. The results obtained from the present finite element analysis are found to match well with the strain test monitoring data of the concrete segments. The obtained results also show that the maximum stress occurs at the T-joint of the starting and receiving sections during the construction process. With the progress of the construction, the stress at the T-joint of the starting section is gradually reduced, while the stress at the T-joint of the receiving section is gradually increased. Consequently, an authentic, reliable and advanced simulation process is established, which could provide technical support for the optimization of the construction process of metro crossing passage tunnel.