Numerical modelling of shafts – comparison between SBE and EBS construction methods
Numerical modelling of shafts – comparison between SBE and EBS construction methods
The use of underground space in urban environment has increased considerably in recent years due to the construction of tunnels and underground stations. Shafts appear as one of the main structures associated with these works because they permit direct access to the underground. Generally, the shaft construction methods can be divided into two main categories: SBE – where the support is placed before excavation; and EBS – where the excavation is performed before the application of a support. Having as reference the case of the Shaft WA2, built as part of the Dublin Port Tunnel project, and excavated using the SBE method, this paper investigates the advantages and limitations of each construction method by performing a numerical study. After the calibration of the model based on the results of the instrumentation, the shaft excavation is alternately simulated using the EBS method. The comparison of the achieved results shows that although both methods have merits, the construction using the EBS method was probably the most adequate solution given the soil conditions at the site. In this particular case, the use of the EBS method would permit to employ a thinner support while keeping the deformations of the ground induced by the excavation at very small values.
L. M. Repsold; A. M. G. Pedro; J. Almeida e Sousa
18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)
D - Current and new construction methods
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