Projects per year
Abstract
Three-dimensional seismic analysis of large tunnel alignments using the continuum (Finite-Element; FE) modelling technique can be computationally expensive. This is due to the extended length of tunnels compared to their diameter (which controls the local ground-structure interaction and hence, the required maximum FE element size). Such models can become more intricate as the tunnel passes through different terrain and lithological profiles and with the complex fixity conditions provided by intermediate underground stations. Furthermore, the effect of asynchronicity of ground motions on the tunnel seismic performance may be non-negligible given the length scale. So far, existing modelling techniques lack the competence to simulate the seismic performance of large tunnels along their length with confidence and computational efficacy. Aiming to bridge this gap, this study proposes an efficient numerical methodology to model the seismic response of large tunnel alignments using a dynamic Beam-on-Nonlinear-Winkler Foundation (BNWF) approach. Ground-structure interaction was modelled using parallel springs and dashpots calibrated against 2D nonlinear FE analyses. These springs/dashpots were subjected to a free-field ground displacement time-history obtained from 2D nonlinear wave propagation analyses. The method was implemented for the circular Large Hadron Collider (LHC) tunnel network at CERN (Geneva, Switzerland), which is 27 km in circumference with six large underground caverns housing the particle detectors (station analogues) with large vertical circular shafts to the ground surface. The results show the generation of seismic actions at the global scale of the tunnel alignment which are not captured by conventional 2D plane-strain analyses. The approach can identify key critical tunnel locations where more subsequent detailed local (3D) analyses should be focussed
Original language | English |
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Article number | 106315 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology |
Volume | 157 |
Early online date | 14 Dec 2024 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 14 Dec 2024 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Civil and Structural Engineering
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Numerical simulation of large tunnel alignments under seismic loading: The Large Hadron Collider as a case study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 2 Finished
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Shaking Tunnel Vision (Joint with University of Leeds and Pontificia Unversidad Catolica de Valparaiso, Chile)
Brown, M. (Investigator) & Knappett, J. (Investigator)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
1/02/16 → 31/05/18
Project: Research
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Seismic Response of the Built Environment in Densely Populated Urban Areas
Knappett, J. (Investigator)
1/10/10 → 31/12/12
Project: Research
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Influence of modelling approach for reinforced concrete underground structures, with application to the CMS cavern at CERN
Mubarak, A. G. (Lead / Corresponding author), Knappett, J. A. & Brown, M. J., Jul 2024, In: Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering. 182, 18 p., 108725.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)64 Downloads (Pure) -
Evaluation of continuum modelling approaches for reinforced concrete in geotechnical applications
Mubarak, A., Knappett, J. & Brown, M., 26 Jun 2023, Proceedings 10th NUMGE 2023. International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 6 p. 216Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Open AccessFile137 Downloads (Pure) -
PRELIMINARY STUDY FOR SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE UNDERGROUND FACILITIES AT POINT 5 OF THE LARGE HADRON COLLIDER (LHC) AT CERN
Carmando, U., Mubarak, A., Bilotta, A., Bilotta, E., Knappett, J., Mendola, S. L., Gastal, M., Mattelaer, P., Sironi, L., Merlini, D., Falanesca, M., Bella, G., Gianelli, F. & Andreini, M., 2023, COMPDYN 2023: Computational Methods in Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering. Papadrakakis, M. & Fragiadakis, M. (eds.). Greece: ECCOMAS Proceedia, Vol. 1. p. 4197-4205 9 p. (COMPDYN Proceedings).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Open AccessFile58 Downloads (Pure)
Student theses
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Numerical simulation of large tunnel systems under seismic loading conditions : CERN infrastructure as a case study
Mubarak, A. (Author), Knappett, J. (Supervisor) & Brown, M. (Supervisor), 2023Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy