Analysis of advancing tunnels

Abstract

A finite element study of axisymmetric tunnels, advancing in linear and non linear continuous rock masses is described. Isotropic, anisotropic, homogeneous and non-homogenuous situations are considered. Advancing in the neighbourhood of a contact between two geological formations and the crossing of a geological fault are studied with some detail. The possibility of studying the three dimensional behaviour of advancing tunnels by 2D approaches is also discussed.