Numerical 3D Modeling of the Construction of a Road Tunnel, Located on National Route 43 in Béjaïa, Algeria.




Numerical 3D Modeling of the Construction of a Road Tunnel, Located on National Route 43 in Béjaïa, Algeria.


Numerical modeling, using Plaxis 3D, proves to be a valuable tool for simulating the mechanical behavior of tunnels, while taking into account a range of load and support scenarios. The primary objective of this study lies in the ability to anticipate ground and tunnel deformation, stress distribution, as well as tunnel structure stability, through the case study of the "T1" road tunnel in Melbou, located on the national road of Béjaïa, Algeria.

The excavation method employed for this project was the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). Numerical modeling plays a crucial role in the design and optimization phase of support systems while allowing for long-term tunnel performance prediction.

The results of the numerical analysis conducted in Plaxis 3D revealed significant variations in ground deformation, tunnel structure, and stress distribution, depending on specific load and support conditions. This analysis confirmed the stability of the tunnel structure under simulated load conditions. Furthermore, the support system demonstrated its effectiveness in managing stress distribution and ground and tunnel deformation. It is imperative to emphasize that the accuracy and reliability of the numerical model depend on the quality of input data and the level of expertise of the analyst.



Leghouchi Abdelghani; Benbouras Mohamed Amine


18th African Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ARCSMGE2024)



Behavior of soils, analysis and modeling