Resumen de Interaction between groundwater and TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) excavated tunnels
A number of problems, e.g. sudden inflows are encountered during tunneling under the piezometric level, especially when the excavation crosses high transmissivity areas. These inflows may drag materials when the tunnel crosses low competent layers, resulting in subsidence, chimney formation and collapses. Moreover, inflows can lead to a decrease in head level because of aquifer drainage. Tunnels can be drilled by a tunnel boring machine (TBM) to minimize inflows and groundwater impacts, restricting the effect on the tunnel face. This method is especially suitable for urban tunneling where the works are usually undertaken near the ground surface. The aim of the thesis is to elucidate the tunneling difficulties arising from hydrogeology, and to determine groundwater impacts. The following approaches were adopted to achieve these objectives. First, a methodology that characterizes hydrogeologically the medium crossed by the TBM is proposed. Two important aspects that are often overlooked are: variable groundwater behavior of faults (conduit, barrier, conduit-barrier), and role of groundwater connectivity between fractures that cross the tunnel and the rest of the rock massif. These two aspects should be taken into account in the geological and groundwater characterization to correct the tunnel design and minimize hazards. A geological study and a preliminary hydrogeological characterization were carried out in a granitic sector during the construction of Line 9 of the Barcelona subway (B-20 area). The hydrogeological conceptual model was constructed using a quasi-3D numerical model, and different scenarios were calibrated. Faults and dikes show a conduit-barrier behavior, which partially compartmentalized the groundwater flow. The barrier behavior, which is the most marked effect, is more prominent in faults, whereas conduit behavior is more notable in dikes. The characterization of groundwater media entailed a dewatering plan and changes in the tunnel course. Second, a methodology to locate and quantify the inflows in the tunnel face of the TBM was adopted. Unexpected high water inflows constitute a major problem because they may result in the collapse of the tunnel face and affect surface structures. Such collapses interrupted boring tasks and led to costly delays during the construction of the Santa Coloma Sector of L9 (Line 9) of the Barcelona Subway. A method for predicting groundwater inflows at tunnel face scale was implemented. A detailed 3D geological and geophysical characterization of the area was performed and a quasi-3D numerical model with a moving tunnel face boundary condition was built to simulate tunnel aquifer interaction. The model correctly predicts groundwater head variations and the magnitude of tunnel inflows concentrated at the crossing of faults and some dikes. Adaptation of the model scale to that of the tunnel and proper accounting for connectivity with the rest of the rock massif was crucial for quantifying the inflows. This method enables us to locate the hazardous areas where dewatering could be implemented. Third, the hydrogeological impacts caused by tunneling with TBM were characterized. The lining in tunnels reduces water seepage but could cause a barrier effect because of aquifer obstruction. Analytical methods were employed to calculate the gradient and permeability variation after tunnelling. The uses of pumping tests allow determinate the barrier effect and the changes in groundwater connectivity due to tunnelling. These approaches were adopted to help overcome the main hydrogeological problems encountered during the construction of tunnels with the TBM. Numerical models proved useful in quantifying and forecasting tunnel water inflows and head variations caused by tunnelling. A better understanding of these scenarios enabled us to find the correct solutions and to minimize the consequences of tunnel-groundwater interaction.
