Estimating the effects of tunnelling on existing jointed pipelines based on Winkler model

Abstract

Tunnelling induced ground movement may affect adjacent jointed pipelines. Leakage may occur at the joints due to excessive rotation. As Winkler models are popular in practical design, a Winkler solution based on an improved Winkler modulus is proposed to analyze the response of jointed pipelines due to tunnelling. The solution is verified against the reported elastic continuum solution, the data from field measurement and centrifuge tests. The results of parametric studies establish the variation between joint rotation and general pipe-soil relative stiffness due to Greenfield deformations, joint and pipe segment stiffness and configurations of joints relative to tunnel center. In terms of the parametric studies, a design chart is established to predict the maximum joint rotation based on the improved Winkler modulus as a tool for preliminary risk assessment. The applicability is verified by compared with the results from the field case and centrifuge tests.