Paper contribution

A new design method for internal forces estimation in yielding tunnel linings

Lorenzo Batocchioni; Elena Turrini; Chiara Pandolfi; Salvatore Miliziano

Proceedings
EUROCK 2026
Pages
713-718
Submitted
28 January 2026
Accepted
15 June 2026
Published
12 August 2026

Summary

Abstract

Designing yielding tunnel linings in squeezing ground requires an accurate evaluation of axial loads and bending moments from ground–lining interaction. While numerical modeling is computationally heavy and the Convergence-Confinement Method fails to capture internal force evolution , this study proposes a simplified analytical design method providing reliable first-order estimates to complement advanced tools. Based on charts derived from parametric analytical formulations , the method quantifies both the friction-induced axial load increment and the maximum bending moment caused by non-uniform stresses. This physically consistent approach ensures rapid, efficient screening across diverse ground conditions and lining configurations.

Contributors

Authors

  1. Lorenzo Batocchioni La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ORCID 0000-0003-0706-0826
  2. Elena Turrini La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
  3. Chiara Pandolfi Polytechnic University of Turin, Turin, Italy
  4. Salvatore Miliziano Geotechnical Design Group, Rome, Italy

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References

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