Abstract

A new tunnel auxiliary method is proposed in this paper which utilizes the concept of cavity expansion for tunnel reinforcement by forming an umbrella arch on the roof of tunnel. When an inflatable pipe is inserted and expanded by pressure in the bore hole of umbrella arch, the ground around the bore hole can be compacted so that the stress condition above the tunnel perimeter is favorably changed. In order to verify the reinforcement effect of new concept, pilot-scale chamber test, trapdoor test and numerical analysis were performed and compared. In pilot-scale chamber test, three types of inflatable pipes are tested to verify the capability of expansion, and the results are compared with analytical results obtained by applying cavity expansion theory and with results obtained from finite element analysis, and the experimental results showed agreeable matches with analytical and numerical ones. Numerical analysis of a tunnel and trapdoor test applied with the inflatable pipes are also performed to figure out the reinforcement effect of the proposed techniques, and the results implied that the new method with 3 directional inflatable pipe (no pressure to downward direction) can contribute to reduce tunnel convergence and face settlement.