Modelling Soil Structural Interaction during Tunnel Excavation

1 Day Awareness Seminar - Thursday, 23rd February

This seminar focused on numerical modelling of the complex interaction between soil and structure during tunnel excavation. This is a major talking point currently, with over 26 miles of tunnels being built under the UK’s capital city as part of Crossrail and numerous London Underground Station Upgrade projects. Ensuring that the tunnels are correctly designed is essential to ensure the safety of those involved in the tunnelling operation as well as ensuring that life above ground carries on without interruption.

The event focused on modelling of the soil-structure interaction behaviour in tunnel construction, with an emphasis on sprayed concrete lining. This seminar provided guidance on the following topics.

1. Time dependent nature of sprayed concrete material properties
   
2. Variability in material properties
   
3. How to reduce unnecessary conservatism when designing a sprayed concrete tunnel lining
   
4. How to ensure your design is code compliant.
   

Other modelling issues associated with tunnel construction such as compensation grouting and building damage were also discussed and there were presentations from leading experts from Mott MacDonald, UnPS, Keller Holding GmbH, Oxford University, etc.

Co-Organised by

The BTS is an Associated Society of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
Formed in 1971 to provide a forum for meetings and discussion on tunnel-related matters, the BTS also publishes industry guidelines and codes of practice;conducts training courses to advance the education of tunnelling professionals;actively supports the recruitment of young people to the industry; acknowledges excellence in tunnelling; sponsors and supports industry conferences; and advises Government and the general public on the tunnelling industry.

The British Tunnelling Society maintains a leading role in the development of the tunnelling industry to promote the safe, efficient, sustainable, and technically advanced design, construction and use of underground space.

The BTS calls on a long tradition of tunnelling in Britain to continue industry-wide development of this vital field of civil engineering. The society was a key player in the founding of the International Tunnelling Association (ITA) in 1974 and represents the UK on its General Assembly.

Individual and corporate members are working on underground projects of all types andpurpose throughout the world.

The BTS supports a Young Members branch, who are active in schools and universities in promoting tunnelling as a career.