Discontinuum Analysis for Tunnelling Purposes: Procedure and Considerations for Creating 2D Models by Applying the FDEM Method

N. Vlachopoulos, I. Vazaios

In the proceedings of: GeoEdmonton 2018: 71st Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 13th joint with IAH-CNC

Session: Rock Mechanics and Engineering Geology II

ABSTRACT: By applying the Finite-Discrete Element Method (FDEM) in this study, modelling assumptions, including considerations and limitations, such as the application of 2D methods to simulate the 3D effects of tunnel advancement, the effect of the out-of-plane stress etc., will be addressed. Additionally specific suggestions will be provided in order to assist with the setup of FDEM tunnel models in hard rockmasses and serve as a guide to the practicing engineer for tunnelling projects. The specifics associated with such a modelling methodology/strategy, model set-up, calibration and validation (and considerations at each stage) are the focus, with the paper also summarizing in a systematic fashion, the subsequent checks required of a tunnel design engineer in order to gain confidence with the numerical model as well as the analysis process for an underground tunnel excavation.

RÉSUMÉ: En appliquant la méthode d™éléments discrets finis (FDEM), incluant des hypothèses de modélisation, des considérations et des limitations, telles que l™applications des méthodes 2D pour une simulation d™effets en 3D de l'avancement d'un tunnel, l'effet du stress hors-plan, etc., sera adressé pour la mise en place des modèles de tunnels FDEM dans les masses rocheuses. De plus, ceci servira d™un guide pour les projets de tunneling à l'ingénieur en exercice. Les spécificités d™une telle méthodologie/stratégie de modélisation, la configuration, l'étalonnage et les validations d™un modèle (et les considérations durant chaque étape) sont les mises au point de ce document. Ce document met également l™accent de manière systématique les contrôles ultérieurs exigés d™un ingénieur de conception de tunnel afin que celui-ci obtienne plus de confiance avec le modèle numérique et le processus d'analyse pour une excavation de tunnel souterrain.

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Cite this article:
N. Vlachopoulos; I. Vazaios (2018) Discontinuum Analysis for Tunnelling Purposes: Procedure and Considerations for Creating 2D Models by Applying the FDEM Method in GEO2018. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{geo2018Paper120,author = N. Vlachopoulos; I. Vazaios,title = Discontinuum Analysis for Tunnelling Purposes: Procedure and Considerations for Creating 2D Models by Applying the FDEM Method,year = 2018}