Keynote contribution

Time-based hydro-mechanical modelling of tunnelling in weathered granite

Lidija Zdravkovic; D. M. Potts; J. H. Shin

Proceedings
EUROCK 2026
Pages
3-15
Submitted
29 July 2026
Accepted
15 June 2026
Published
12 August 2026

Summary

Abstract

This paper considers the construction practice of NATM tunnelling in a mixed face and water bearing ground profiles comprising different levels of rock degradation. The study is based on the geological conditions of the Seoul subway (South Korea), where the geology around the city comprises a large granite batholith. Deeply weathered granite in this area is frequently encountered in many civil engineering works, including subway construction.

One frequent challenge for tunnel construction is the geological profile which comprises decomposed granite above the tunnel spring-line and weathered granite below. The former is practically a soil while the latter is a transitional zone to the underlying rock, containing parts of residual soils and of partially weathered and/or fresh rock. Another challenge is the design of tunnel linings with the presence of pore water pressures and possible water infiltration into tunnels.

This paper develops a numerical model to investigate and quantify the pore-water pressure and its potential effects on the tunnel lining. It is shown that the development of pore-water pressure on the lining is dependent on the lining permeability and the deterioration of the drainage system, particularly for a tunnel with both a primary and a secondary lining. The magnitude of pore-water pressure on a NATM tunnel constructed in this ground conditions and the effect of tunnel shape are investigated. Design curves for estimating pore-water pressure loads on a secondary lining are proposed.

Contributors

Authors

  1. Lidija Zdravkovic Imperial College London, London, UK ORCID 0000-0003-3092-0628
  2. D. M. Potts Imperial College London, London, UK
  3. J. H. Shin Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea

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References

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