Parallel computation in efficient non-linear finite element analysis with applications to soft-ground tunneling project

Reliable prediction and control of ground movements represent an essential component of underground construction projects in congested urban environments, to mitigate against possible damage to adjacent structures and utilities. This research was motivated by the construction of a large underground cavern for the Rio Piedras station in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This project involved the construction of a large, horseshoe-shaped cavern (17m wide and 16m high) in weathered alluvial soils. The crown of the cavern is located less than 5.5m below existing buildings in a busy commercial district. Structural support for the cavern was provided by a series of 15 stacked drifts. These 3m square-section galleries were excavated mainly by hand and in-filled with concrete, while a compensation grouting system was designed to mitigate effects of excavation-induced ground movements on the overlying structures. Unexpectedly large settlements occurred during drift construction and overwhelmed the grouting system that was intended to compensate for tunnel-induced movements. Although two dimensional, non-linear finite element analyses of the stacked- drift construction suggest that movements exceeding 100mm can be expected, the 2-D representation of excavation and ground support is overly simplistic and represents a major source of uncertainty in these analyses. Massive computational efforts make more comprehensive 3-D models of the construction sequence completely impractical using existing finite element software with direct or iterative solver methods.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2004

Author dc:creator

• Hsieh, Yo-Ming, 1973-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Andrew J. Whittle.

• Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/29423

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/29423