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Engineering Geological Study of NWCT Tunnel in Iran with Emphasis on Squeezing Problems

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Abstract

This research is concerned with the assessment of squeezing potential along of North Water Convey Tunnel in Iran (NWCT) and its stability analysis has been carried out. In this study, the most suitable methods are utilized for the stability analysis and design of support of the tunnel. For the empirical investigation, the rock mass were classified based on RMR, RMi, GSI and Q systems. The geomechanical properties of the rock mass were determined from the laboratory and field investigations. The results obtained from the analysis show that the tunnel is highly unstable due to the presence of a fault and hence strong supports are need in these regions. Because of high overburden (up to 600 m) and the presence of faults and crushed zones, it was necessary to evaluate squeezing potential along the critical section of the tunnel (Lot2). Therefore, empirical and semi empirical approaches and a new method as critical strain have been used for evaluation of squeezing potential. Some experimental equations were used for estimation of critical strain and also Flac2D program has been used to calculate tunnel convergence. Consequently, squeezing index was estimated. This index is used for determination of squeezing degree. As a result, fair squeezing potential was found in crushed zones along the tunnel route.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining and Metallurgical, AmirKabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

    Masoud Shamsoddin Saeed & Parviz Maarefvand

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  1. Masoud Shamsoddin Saeed
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  2. Parviz Maarefvand
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Correspondence to Masoud Shamsoddin Saeed.

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Shamsoddin Saeed, M., Maarefvand, P. Engineering Geological Study of NWCT Tunnel in Iran with Emphasis on Squeezing Problems. Indian Geotech J 44, 357–369 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-013-0078-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40098-013-0078-y

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