Comparison of Squeezing Prediction Methods: A Case Study on Nowsoud Tunnel

According to the International Society of Rock Mechanics, squeezing is a time dependent large deformation occurring during tunnel construction around the tunnel associated with creep caused by exceeding a limiting shear stress (Barla in ISRM News J 2:44–49, 1995). This research is conducted using a case study on the Nowsoud Tunnel, Iran. Being 14 km in length and 4.5 m in diameter, the tunnel is located in the western part of Iran near the Iraq border. Nowsoud tunnel, which was excavated using a double shield TBM, exhibited severe squeezing (with 8919 m) in its critical zone which resulted in excavation termination. In this research, the best approach for predicting squeezing among the recommended methods for reducing the damages caused by squeezing on TBM was determined. In this regard, approaches commonly used to predict squeezing are empirical, semi-empirical, and theoretical–analytical methods. Besides, these methods, numerical modeling is used to estimate convergence generated along the tunnel pathways, which is ultimately used to categorize squeezing. This paper compares squeezing prediction methods in 68 section of Nowsoud Tunnel. These 68 sections indicate that the empirical methods propose a general estimation/overview of squeezing. Among the semi-analytical approaches, the one proposed by Hoek and Marinos (Rock engineering in difficult rock conditions—soft rocks and karst, Taylor & Francis Group, London, pp 49–60, 2000) are compatible with the occurrence of squeezing in the critical zone. However, the degree of predicted squeezing is less than the real degree of squeezing in this zone. Based on the result of Aydan approach, 75 % of the tunnel sections are under squeezing condition. Theoretical–analytical approaches underestimate the possibility of squeezing in the critical zone. Barlaʼs approach (1995) demonstrated the possibility of squeezing in the critical zone with low intensity. The numerical computations in this paper were performed using Plaxis (version 8.5), a two-dimensional numerical program based on the finite element method. Plaxis results, classified by Hoek and Marinos (2000) method, show that 8800 m of the tunnel length is under the non-squeezing condition. According to all prediction methods, the squeezing zones depend on faulted zones, argillaceous limestone and shale formations such as J₁Kh, J₄Kh, J₅Kh, and Kgr. These formations were identified with a high quantity of shale and argillaceous limestone. Bedding of these geological formations is thin and their geotechnical properties are weaker than those of limestone formations. On the other hand, non-squeezing zones depend on limestone formations such as J₂Kh, J₃Kh, J₆Kh, K^abg, and Kbg. Moreover, all approaches predicted squeezing potential for the critical zone where TBM is jammed.