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Tunnel Modelling Features in PLAXIS 3D

The document describes features in PLAXIS 3D for modeling tunnels, including the Tunnel Designer tool. The Tunnel Designer allows creating tunnel geometry through a cross-section and extrusion path. It facilitates assigning properties, sequencing excavation in phases, and modeling features like contraction and soil reinforcement. Other modeling capabilities mentioned include soil stress relaxation, rock models like Hoek-Brown and jointed rock, a shotcrete model, and anchoring through embedded beams.

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Miguel Sanchez
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630 views

Tunnel Modelling Features in PLAXIS 3D

The document describes features in PLAXIS 3D for modeling tunnels, including the Tunnel Designer tool. The Tunnel Designer allows creating tunnel geometry through a cross-section and extrusion path. It facilitates assigning properties, sequencing excavation in phases, and modeling features like contraction and soil reinforcement. Other modeling capabilities mentioned include soil stress relaxation, rock models like Hoek-Brown and jointed rock, a shotcrete model, and anchoring through embedded beams.

Uploaded by

Miguel Sanchez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PLAXIS 3D Features for Tunnel Applications

Modelling Tunnel
Geometry
Tunnel Geometry
• The preferred feature for creating the tunnel geometry
is the Tunnel Designer
• Pre-processing tool for creating the tunnel geometry
– Based on the concept of extruded cross-section
– Cross-section and extrusion path defined in separate 2D
environments
– All tunnel properties must be defined within the tunnel
designer (no possibility to attach features outside the
tunnel designer)
Tunnel Designer

2- Define tunnel characteristics

1- Pick-up insertion point


Tunnel Designer
• Similarities with the PLAXIS modeling workflow
– Modes
– Rulers, grid and origin
– Snapping mechanisms
– Multiple selection tools
– RMB context sensitive menu
– Intersection
Tunnel Designer
• Features
– Create or import tunnel cross-sections
– Options to add thick lining, benches, etc
– Assign structural and material properties
– Create straight, plunging or arching tunnel trajectories
– Define tunnel sections by slicing the trajectory
Tunnel Designer
• Cross-sections:
– Define half or whole tunnel shell first
– Define thick lining, benches or sidewalls
– Option to import from *.DXF / *.DWG cross-sections
• Properties
– Add Properties to tunnel
– Plates, Interfaces or loads, etc.
• Trajectory & Slices
– Slice the trajectory into sections to be excavated
– Divide by number of segments or segment thickness
Tunnel Designer
• Trajectory & Slices
– Slice the trajectory into sections to be excavated
– Divide by number of segments or segment thickness
• Sequencing
– Calculation phase definition tool
– Create consecutive construction phase series based on a
regular sequencing pattern defined by the user
Tunnel Designer Menu bar (Save and Load tunnel)

Selection tool

Mode switch

Feedback panel

Drawing related options


Drawing area

Generate tunnel
Tunnel Designer: Cross-Section Mode
• General tabsheet Lining shape (free/circular)

Full of half section (in case of symmetry


condition being considered)

Reference point offset from insertion point

Orientation
Tunnel Designer: Cross-Section Mode
• Segments tabsheet
Segment list
Add / Insert / Delete segment

Tools to properly extend/close


sections

Import tunnel section (.dxf, .dwg files)


Selected segment
property
Tunnel Designer: Cross-Section Mode
• Subsections tabsheet
Subsection list
Add / Insert / Delete subsection

Create subsection by
offsetting exsiting one
Selected subsection
property
Tunnel Designer: Properties Mode
Polycurve list (results from segments
and subsections intersection)

RMB context sensitive menu to


create model features
Tunnel Designer: Properties Mode
• Slice properties

Model feature list for


selected slice
Tunnel Designer: Properties Mode
• Plane properties

Model feature list for


selected plane
Tunnel Designer: Trajectory Mode
• General tabsheet

Orientation
Tunnel Designer: Trajectory Mode
• Segments tabsheet
Segment list
Add / Insert / Delete segment

Selected segment Import trajectory (.dxf, .dwg files)


property
Tunnel Designer: Trajectory Mode
• Slices tabsheet
Slicing list
Reset, merge and
unmerge slice groups

Slice group property


3D Tunnel Designer
• Generated tunnel
Tunnel Designer: Sequencing Mode
Sequencing

Steps
Step_1_1 A
Step_1_2 B

Step_1_3 C

Step_1_4 D

Step_1_5 E
Tunnel Designer: Sequencing Mode

Two news input


• Slices in active scope
• Delayed steps
Tunnel Designer: Sequencing Mode
Tunnel Designer: Sequencing Mode
Tunnel Designer: Sequencing Mode
Tunnel advancement in Staged Construction
Manual, via GUI
1. Add phase
2. In Model Explorer: choose to
Advance to next tunnel step
Via commands
1. Add phase: phase Phase_1 or phase Phases[-1]
2. Command: advance Tunnel_1 Phase_1
or advance Tunnel_1 Phases[-1]
More advanced: via Remote scripting
Solution in Plaxis Knowledge Base
26
Other Relevant
Modelling Features
Tunnel Contraction
• Tunnel contraction can be defined in the Tunnel designer

Contraction input defined as the tunnel


section reduction Cref = (Aini-Afin)/Aini
Tunnel Contraction
• Tunnel contraction to be activated and possibly
changed in any phases
Tunnel Contraction
• Tunnel contraction can also be prescribed as a target
volume strain (i.e as it would be with no restrain!)
Tunnel Contraction
• Contraction only
– Simulate volume loss all around tunnel
– Disadvantage: over-predicts width of settlement trough
• Grouting pressure method to simulate grouting at tail
void more realistically
1. Small contraction to simulate conical shape of TBM
2. Deactivate TBM and apply internal (pore) pressure
(feature to be defined from the tunnel designer)
3. Activate final lining
Modelling Soil Stress Relaxation
• Can be taken into account in the framework of a visco-
elastic model with optional plasticity (available as a
UDSM) called EVE_MC
Modelling Soil Stress Relaxation

• In the most simplfied consideration, EVE_MC can be


degenerated to
τ1

Δσ Δσ

G0, v0

G1, v1
Modelling Soil Stress Relaxation
• The short-term behaviour is then controlled by G0 and
v0

• The long term behaviour is then controlled by G0, G1,


v0 and v1
Rock Modelling – Hoek-Brown Model
• Linear elastic perfectly plastic behaviour with Hoek-
Brown failure criterion
• Parameters of the Hoek-Brown -
failure criterion:
– ci Intact uniaxial compressive
strength
– GSI Geological Strength Index
– mi Intact rock parameter
–D Disturbance factor -
-
Rock Modelling – Jointed Rock Model
• Characteristics
– Transverse linear anisotropic elasticity
– Coulomb perfect plasticity in pre-defined directions
Rock Modelling – Jointed Rock Model
• Tunnel excavation in rock mass

α1 = 0 deg α1 = 90 deg α1 = 45 deg


Rock Modelling – Swelling Rock Model
(UDSM)
• Meant for swelling clay and anhydritic rock
• Main features
– Transverse orthotropic elastic stiffness
– Elastic perfectly-plastic material behavior with Mohr-
Coulomb failure condition
– Stress and time dependency of swelling strains with
three different swelling laws, all going back to the idea
formulated by Grob (1972)
Shotcrete Model (UDSM)
• Model capabilities
– Strain hardening/softening in compression & tension
– Time dependent strength and stiffness
– Creep
– Shrinkage
Anchoring through Embedded Beams
• Stability anchors at tunnel face
– Forepoling
– Rock bolts

(Pelizza, 1989)
Modelling Soil Reinforcement (Rock Bolts)
• Soil reinforcement (soil nails, rock bolts) can be
modelled by means of beams or embedded beam row
• Beams are based on Mindlin theory
– Optional elasto-plastic behaviour
– Rigidly connected to surrounding soil elements
• Embedded beam is a combination of a beam and
special coupling springs to the surrounding soil
– Beam are fully elastic in embedded beam
– Coupling springs are elasto-plastic (skin and tip
resistance)
Modelling Soil Reinforcement (Rock Bolts)
• Practical use of embedded beams
Modelling Soil Reinforcement (Rock Bolts)
• Care should be given how embedded piles are properly
connected to the structure
– Properly set their connection point

Connection point
• Rigid
• Hinged
• Free

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