Two-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Underground Tunnel and Its Effects on Settlement of Adjacent Structures

Due to rapid increase of the population in the urban areas, it is being inevitable to introduce metro rail network. These metro rail networks are constructed by tunneling in subsurface region due to the scarcity of surface land. In the presence of soft soil deposits many structures will be constructed over the deep foundations. There will be adverse effect on the adjacent structures and its foundations due to vibration developed during the boring of tunnels. Latitudinal and vertical shifts are very likely to result from excavation activities in soft soils. Hence, it is necessary to study the effect of tunneling on the adjacent structures in order to determine the settlement of surface and subsurface soil. The main objective of the study is to investigate the total settlement of surface and subsurface soil and its impact on the existing structures due to the excavation of tunnel. Analysis of vertical and lateral movement of soft soil due to excavation of tunnel is carried out by finite element modeling (FEM) using PLAXIS 2D. The results highlight the risks associated due to tunneling and its effects on the substructures of the adjacent buildings.