DCBEM-FEM coupling method for response analysis of adjacent pipelines due to tunneling

The response analysis of subway tunneling on adjacent municipal pipelines is an important problem that geotechnical engineers may need to face when designing new tunnels. However, previous researches usually focus on the ground movements induced by tunneling. Few investigations into the problem of tunneling in layered soils are available considering the effects of adjacent pipelines. The oval-shaped non-uniform convergence deformation controlled model is imposed to the tunnel opening boundary. The adjacent pipelines are regarded as the Euler-Bernoulli beams. The surrounding soils are regarded as the elastic layered soil model. The DCBEM-FEM (Displacement controlled boundary element method -finite element method) coupling method is presented for response analysis of tunneling on adjacent pipelines in layered soils . Finally the accuracy of the proposed method is demonstrated by means of the observed data and the displacement controlled finite element numerical method. The results indicate that the ground loss due to tunneling can be reflected in the DCBEM-FEM coupling method. T he computed accuracy of the proposed method is better compared with other data . It may provide a certain basis to draw up correctly protective measurements for adjacent pipelines influenced by adjacent tunneling.