Abstract

This paper intends to develop an assesment technique for the rapid and quantitative evaluation of tunnel safety during tunnel excavation by using displacement measurements. Control criteria for the field measurements are provided at tunnel construction sites in Korea and other countries. However, it was known that the criteria were not clear and varied depending on the construction sites. In order to make a reasonable support for guidelines, critical strain concept is introduced in this study. And the engineering meanings of the critical strain concept are investigated precisely. In order to do this, at first, the engineering meanings of the original concept from the previous researchers was investigated theoretically for the evaluation of tunnel safety. Subsequently displacement data were obtained by using the commercial program, then the evaluation of tunnel safety was conducted with the view point of previous researches. Additionally, strains are determined from the feedback analyses program by inputting measured displacements that were obtained from the commercial program, then the evaluation of tunnel safety was discussed with the critical strain concept. Consequently it can be concluded that the evaluation of tunnel safety can be determined quantitatively and rapidly in the field by introducing the critical strain concept.