Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

An Investigation into Support Interaction of Ground Support Through Numerical Modelling and Laboratory Testing

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Geotechnical and Geological Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Tunneling within soil and weaker rock oftentimes utilizes temporary support elements. Over the years, developments have included specialized pre-manufactured support, mechanized installation systems, new techniques and new grout materials. Other advances, to the design process specifically, have been the improvement of computer modelling software that allow for predictions of tunnel behaviour and support behaviour. Despite these advances, there is currently limited knowledge on the mechanisms involved with how, specifically, the surface of the support element interacts with the ground and with the adhesive medium (e.g. grout) which often acts as the internal fixture in the support system. There also exists limited database in technical literature of interface parameters for the support system materials (i.e. grout–ground, grout–support element, support element–ground). These interaction parameters are fundamental to better inform design decisions and help to improve the numerical models used to predict excavation mechanical behaviour. In this way, this paper presents an attempt to identify, via numerical modelling, the most sensitive mechanical interaction parameters at the interfaces of ground support system materials as well as quantify their value through pull-out and shear laboratory tests. The mechanical behaviour of the support materials interface is also investigated.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

(Vlachopoulos et al. 2018)

Fig. 2

(modified after Oke et al. 2012)

Fig. 3

(modified after Itasca 2009)

Fig. 4

(modified after Oke et al. 2012)

Fig. 5

(modified after Oke et al. 2012)

Fig. 6

(modified after Oke et al. 2012)

Fig. 7

(Holt 2017)

Fig. 8

(Vlachopoulos et al. 2018)

Fig. 9

(modified after Cruz et al. 2016)

Fig. 10

(modified after Cruz et al. 2016)

Fig. 11

(modified after Cruz 2014)

Fig. 12

(Cruz 2014)

Fig. 13

(modified after Cruz 2014)

Fig. 14

(modified after Cruz et al. 2016)

Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17

(modified after Holt et al. 2016)

Fig. 18

(Holt et al. 2016)

Fig. 19

(modified after Holt 2017)

Fig. 20

(modified after Holt 2017)

Fig. 21

(modified after Holt 2017)

Fig. 22

(modified after Holt 2017)

Fig. 23

(modified after Holt 2017)

Fig. 24

(modified after Holt 2017)

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • ASTM D2487 (2011) Standard practice for classification of soils for engineering purposes (unified soil classification system). ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA

    Google Scholar 

  • ASTM D3080 (2011) Test method for direct shear test of soils under consolidated drained conditions. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA

    Google Scholar 

  • ASTM D6913 (2004) Standard test methods for particle-size distribution (gradation) of soils using sieve analysis. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA

    Google Scholar 

  • Brady BHG, Brown ET (1993) Rock mechanics for underground mining. Chapman & Hall, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Cruz D (2014) The geomechanical response of axially loaded fully grouted rock bolts utilizing fibre optics technology. MASc, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON

    Google Scholar 

  • Cruz D, Vlachopoulos N, Forbes B (2016) The geo-mechanical response of axially loaded rock bolts using fiber optic technology. In: XV Colombian geotechnical congress & II international specialized conference of soft rocks. Cartagena, Colombia

  • Doucet C, Voyzelle B (2012) Technical information data sheets. Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Farmer IW (1975) Stress Distribution along a resin grouted rock anchor. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 12:347–351

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forbes B (2015) The application of distributed optical sensing for monitoring support in underground excavations. Master of Science, Queen’s University, Kingston

  • Forbes B, Vlachopoulos N, Oke J, Hyett AJ (2014) The application of distributed optical sensing for monitoring temporary support schemes. Canadian Geotechnical Society, GeoRegina, Regina, SK

    Google Scholar 

  • Funatsu T, Hoshino T, Sawae H, Shimizu N (2008) Numerical analysis to better understand the mechanism of the effects of ground supports and reinforcements on the stability of tunnels using the distinct element method. Tunn Undergr Space Technol Inc Trenchless Technol Res 23(5):561–573

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gervais JRD (2003) Customs and traditions of the Canadian military engineers. DND, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghazvinian E, Diederichs MS, Labrie D, Martin CD (2015) An investigation on the fabric type dependency of the crack damage thresholds in brittle rocks. Geotech Geol Eng 33(July):1409

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E (2014) Rockbolts and cables. Unknown, Unknown

    Google Scholar 

  • Holt SW (2017) Determination and influence of shear strength parameters of material interfaces associated with ground support systems. Master of Science, Royal Military College of Canada

  • Holt SW, Vlachopoulos N, Forbes B (2016) Determination of grout–soil interaction parameters for ground support elements. GeoVancouver, Canada

    Google Scholar 

  • Hyett AJ, Bawden WF, Reichert RD (1992) The effect of rockmass confinement on the bond strength of fully grouted cable bolts. In: International journal of rock mechanics and mining sciences & geomechanics abstracts, vol 29, no 5, pp 503–524

  • Itasca Consulting Group Inc (2009) Fast lagrangian analysis of continua in 3 dimensions, version 4.0. Itasca Consulting Group Inc., Minneapolis

    Google Scholar 

  • Li C, Stillborg B (1999) Analytical models for rock bolts. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36(8):1013–1029

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marinos P, Hoek E (2001) The appropriate use of geological information in the design and construction of the Egnatia Motorway Tunnels. Egnatia Odos A.E.

  • Oke J, Vlachopoulos N, Diederichs MS (2012) Improved input parameters and numerical analysis techniques for temporary support of underground excavations in weak rock. In: RockEng. Edmonton, Canada

  • Oke J, Vlachopoulos N, Diederichs MS (2014a) Numerical analyses in the design of umbrella arch systems. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 6(6):546

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oke J, Vlachopoulos N, Marinos V (2014b) The pre-support nomenclature and support selection methodology for temporary support systems within weak rock masses. J Geotech Geol Eng 32(1):97e130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Serbousek MO, Signer SP (1987) Linear load-transfer mechanics of fully grouted roof bolts, vol 9135. US Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Mines

  • Terzaghi K, Peck RB, Mesri G (1996) Soil mechanics in engineering practice. Wiley, Hoboken

    Google Scholar 

  • Trinh QN (2006) Analyses of a cave-in problem in a hydropower tunnel in Vietnam. Ph.D. Thesis. Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

  • Vlachopoulos N (2000) Performance of two full-scale model geosynthetic-reinforced retaining walls: segmental and wrapped-faced. MASc, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON

  • Vlachopoulos N (2009) Back analysis of a tunnelling case study in weak rock of the alpine system in northern Greece: validation and optimization of design analysis based on ground characterization and numerical simulation. Ph.D. Thesis. Queens University, Kingston, Ontario

  • Vlachopoulos N, Cruz D, Forbes B (2018) Utilizing a novel fiber optic technology to capture the axial response of fully grouted rock bolts. J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 10(2):222–235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Volkmann GM, Schubert W (2007) Geotechnical model for pipe roof supports in tunneling. In: Bartak J, Hrdina I, Romancov G, Zlamal J (eds) 33rd ITA-AITES World tunnel congress - underground space - The 4th dimension of metropolises. Taylor & Francis Group, Prague, pp 755–760

    Google Scholar 

  • Wykeham Farrance Engineering Limited (1968) WF 2500 constant rate of strain shear box handbook. Wykeham Farrance Engineering Limited, Slough

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the support of Jeffrey Oke and Mark Diederichs as well as the following industrial and governmental sponsors: Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Department of National Defence, MITACS, Yield Point Inc. and The Royal Military College (RMC) Green Team.

Funding

Funding was supported by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (CA) (Discovery Grant, Graduate Student Grant), Canadian Defence Academy Research Program Grant (CDARP Funding 2017-2020), Department of Natonal Defence (Canada) and RMC Green Team (DND Funding).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston, ON, K7K7B4, Canada

    Nicholas Vlachopoulos, Carla Carrapatoso, Stephen William Holt & Daniel Cruz

  2. Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, 36 Union Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada

    Bradley Forbes

Authors
  1. Nicholas Vlachopoulos
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Carla Carrapatoso
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Stephen William Holt
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Daniel Cruz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Bradley Forbes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nicholas Vlachopoulos.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Vlachopoulos, N., Carrapatoso, C., Holt, S.W. et al. An Investigation into Support Interaction of Ground Support Through Numerical Modelling and Laboratory Testing. Geotech Geol Eng 38, 5719–5736 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-020-01389-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-020-01389-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation