Effect of Different Tunnelling Method In Silty Soil on Settlement of Raft Foundations

Abstract: This research article provides a thorough investigation of the settling behavior of raft foundations under the effect of several tunnelling technologies, namely the New Austrian Tunnelling approach (NATM) and the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) approach. The correlation between ground movements caused by tunnelling and nearby structures, namely raft foundations, is a crucial element in urban development, particularly in areas with extensive subterranean infrastructure developments. The study utilizes sophisticated numerical modelling using PLAXIS 3D methodologies to replicate the intricate dynamics between tunnel excavation and the underlying soil-structure system. The study aims to examine the impact of several parameters, including excavation depth, lateral distance between raft and tunnel centerline, on the settlement response of raft foundations. This will be achieved through a series of parametric studies. The primary objective of the comparative evaluation is to evaluate and analyze the respective advantages and disadvantages of different tunnelling methods in relation to their potential effects on nearby foundations. In addition, the inclusion of field data from carefully chosen case studies serves to authenticate the numerical findings, so guaranteeing the significance and practicality of the outcomes in real-life situations. This study examines the consequences of settlement variations on the structural integrity of raft foundations.