Quasi-rectangular shield tunneling is a cutting-edge trenchless method for constructing metro tunnels with double tubes, owing to its advantages in saving underground space and reducing ground disturbance. However, the conventional quasi-rectangular shield tunneling method is not applicable when constructing a tunnel without a center pillar, such as a scissor crossover section of a metro line. Therefore, the 0−θ tunneling method, which combines the quasi-rectangular shield and pipe jacking methods, was investigated in this study to solve the aforementioned construction challenges. This study presents a case study of the Sijiqing Station of the Hangzhou Metro Line 9 in China, in which the 0−θ method was first proposed and applied. Key techniques such as switching between two types of tunneling modes and the tunneling process control in complex construction environments were investigated. The results demonstrated that the 0−θ method can address the technical challenges presented by the post-transition line with a high curvature and a scissors crossover line. In addition, the adoption of the 0−θ method ensured that the transformation between shield tunneling and pipe jacking was safe and efficient. The ground settlement monitoring results demonstrated that the disturbance to the surrounding environment can be limited to a safe level. This case study contributes to the construction technology for a metro tunnel containing both post-transition lines with a small turning radius and a scissors crossover line. A practical construction experience and theoretical guidance were provided in this study, which are of significance for both the industry and academia.

Monitoring the deformations of immersed tunnels is important during the entire tunnel service life to assess the structural integrity of the tunnel. Conventional joint deformation monitoring is based on manual levelling measurements and normally occurs only at multi-year intervals, which does not allow to capture short term deformation behavior. In this study a new joint monitoring system using distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) is developed. A special sensor layout is designed that allows simultaneous measurements of both horizontal joint opening and vertical uneven settlement of the immersion and dilation joints. For this sensor scheme the transfer relation from fiber strain to joint deformation is derived and verified by in-lab experiments. The sensor system proves to be able to detect sub-millimeter joint deformations, indicating a more than sufficient accuracy for structural monitoring of immersed tunnel joints. Subsequently, the First Heinenoordtunnel in the Netherlands is instrumented using this distributed optical fiber sensing system, in order to obtain additional data for both long-term and short-term assessment of its structural condition.

Backfill grouting plays a vital role in shield tunneling. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of the development and progress of backfill grouting materials specifically designed for shield tunneling. Initially, the various components of grouts, such as pozzolanic materials, filling fine aggregates, and chemical additives, are introduced and discussed in detail. Subsequently, this study investigates critical properties including workability, mechanical properties, and durability of the grouts. Additionally, the principal factors influencing the properties are summarized, along with recommended ranges for specific geological conditions. Furthermore, the paper elucidates the diffusion mechanism of grouting mortars by presenting the current grouting models employed in shield tunneling. Recent advancements in grouting materials are extensively studied and extended, offering new perspectives for future grouting technology in shield tunneling. This study provides valuable insights into overcoming the existing challenges associated with shield tunnel grouting and promoting the evolution of current grouting materials.

Seasonal joint deformations within an immersed tunnel are important indicators to assess structural behavior and therefore should be monitored in detail. In this study, distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) are applied to precisely measure the seasonal joint deformations in an immersed tunnel for the first time. Measurements over a one-year period specifically reveal the impact of seasonal temperature variations on the joint opening and uneven settlement deformation. Field monitoring shows that the variation in joint opening exhibits a cyclic behavior and is strongly correlated with temperature change. The immersion joints generally show a larger range of seasonal opening (with a maximum of about 6 mm) than dilation joints, but at several dilation joints significant opening also occurs. The uneven or differential settlement at most joints stays below 1 mm, except at a few joints where the range is above 1 mm, which are indications of underlying structural defects in the tunnel. The observed joint uneven settlement also shows a seasonal variation, but the correlation with temperature is weak. The impacts of seasonal deformation on the structural integrity and watertightness of the tunnel are assessed, and further suggestions on tunnel maintenance and inspection are made.

The short-term deformation behavior of immersed tunnels due to daily or monthly temperature changes and tidal variations is often not monitored but forms important input for a structural health assessment of the tunnel. In this study, distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFSs) are used to monitor the short-term (daily and monthly) deformation behavior of an immersed tunnel. Joint opening and the relative settlement differences between tunnel elements are monitored simultaneously at subhour intervals. Measurements show that the variation in the joint opening is strongly correlated with temperature change, and the joint gap has a tendency to open at low temperatures and to close at increasing temperatures. Simultaneously, the entire immersed section behaves more like a rigid body and moves upwards and downwards periodically due to tidal fluctuations in the river, with an observed vertical movement of slightly less than one millimeter. The tide also causes local tilting of tunnel segments, and this tilting behavior differs between winter and summer, which implies that the (seasonal) temperature-induced joint deformations affect the robustness of the tunnel to tidal loads. A soil-tunnel structure interaction analysis reveals that the cyclic vertical movement of the tunnel is driven by retardation of the tidal wave in deeper soil layers, which can be captured by a coupled flow model. This study provides new insights into the short-term deformation behavior of immersed tunnels.

Distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) allow for distributed strain sensing and can be installed to function as extensometers for measuring point-displacements. This paper discusses the metrics of optimal sensing fiber selection for point-displacement measuring. Key metrics include the physical structure, mechanical parameters and light transmission coefficients. Calibration tests for verification of the optical fiber properties are designed and results of four fiber types are presented. Finally, creep and relaxation behavior of optical fibers is discussed based on manual tension test results, and a quantification model is proposed to assess the induced measurement error for sensing fiber. The maximum (absolute) measurement error for two common fiber types used in point displacement measurements is determined to be below 8%, and the study shows that pretensioning of the fiber helps to reduce such measurement errors.

Pipe jacking has been the dominant trenchless technology for constructing small (\2 m) to medium-diameter (\4 m) tunnels. Uncertainties and construction difficulties increase significantly when the diameter of the tunnel exceeds 4 m. This paper presents a case study of the largest concrete pipe-jacking tunnel project in the world, the sewerage tunnel along Jinshan Lake, Zhenjiang, China. In this project, an underwater tunnel with a diameter of 4.67 m was constructed by the earth pressure balance (EPB) pipe-jacking method. The case study reports project background, and geological and hydrogeology conditions. The key techniques such as the selection of pipe-jacking machine, jacking force estimation and control, design of intermediate jacking station, grouting process control, launching, and reception of the tunnel boring machine, trajectory control of pipe jacking, and ventilation and gas monitoring during the construction period were investigated and discussed. Furthermore, to overcome the technical difficulties associated with the oversized jacked tunnel, the corresponding countermeasures were adopted point by point, so that the safety of the whole project could be guaranteed. This study filled the knowledge gap of technical know-how for large-diameter (over 4.5 m) pipe-jacking tunnel and is expected to provide practical guide for future large-diameter pipe-jacking tunnels.

In this paper, a probabilistic analysis is implemented to determine the settlement of immersed tunnel elements and the effects of subsoil stiffness variability. A soil-structure interaction model is used to study the effects of subsoil stiffness on the shear behavior of tunnel joints. Site investigation data is obtained from the Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) Tunnel project in China. Two probabilistic methods, the Point Estimate Method and Monte Carlo simulation, are compared when determining the tunnel settlements. The first is computationally more efficient and has sufficient accuracy, while the latter is extremely accurate with higher computational costs. Based on the settlement results, spatial variability of the soil stiffness is quantitatively assessed. The soil-structure interaction analysis and derivation of shear forces in tunnel joints is performed by coupling FE analysis to a Monte-Carlo model. The results show that tunnel structure behavior is significantly influenced by the soil parameters uncertainty.

This paper focuses on the settlement analysis of immersed tunnel on soft ground. Even under careful design, immersed tunnel may have problems of excessive settlement and the resulting concrete cracking or structure leakage during operation period. Yongjiang Tunnel, the first immersed tunnel on soft ground in mainland China, is taken as a case study. The monitored settlement data after a 16-year service is first displayed and analyzed, then a 2D numerical model is built to simulate the ground settlement deformation from tunnel construction to long-term tunnel operation. The effects of back-silting on the stiffness of the foundation layer and further on the settlement is quantitatively analyzed, and the advices on settlement control for immersed tunnel on soft ground are provided.

With the acceleration of urbanisation in China, land shortage has become a severe problem in metropolises. As the medium and shallow underground space in central urban areas has been developed to a matured or even saturated extent, development of deep underground space (DUS) becomes inevitable. Based on the DUS utilisation planning in Shanghai, the depth classification and the conceptual model of DUS utilisation are discussed. Furthermore, deep geological conditions in Shanghai are described and the corresponding impact on deep foundation pit engineering and shield tunneling are analysed. Finally, a deep sewage tunnel system under construction in Shanghai is introduced as a case study.