This paper is an investigation of face stability on a small-scale tunnel model in a geotechnical centrifuge. By making use of symmetry, half of the tunnel cross section was considered. The support at excavation face was provided by a piston, which was adjusted during flight. Some aspects on the collapse at tunnel face are investigated for different overburden pressures: failure mechanism, surface settlement, stress acting at tunnel face, and the required face support counteracting the earth pressure. Ground deformation was observed through a transparent wall and measured by digital image correlation. The results from centrifuge model tests were compared with theoretical models.
Summary. In this article, we report on model tests of shallow tunnel in a geotechnical centrifuge. The influence of the overburden on the required face support pressure, ground deformation, failure mechanism and surface settlement is investigated. Owing to small shear strain in pre-failure regime, high spatial resolution is needed in the instrumentation. The experimental results are then compared with the closed form solutions and a finite element analysis.
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