Stability Factors Fc, Fs, and Fγ for Twin Tunnels in Three Dimensions.

This paper aims to study the three-dimensional (3D) tunnel heading pressure of twin circular tunnels in a drained cohesive–frictional soil using a stability factor approach and finite-element limit analysis (FELA). The primary concept adopted will be the use of a conventional equation that is similar to the traditional bearing capacity factors (e.g., Nc, Ns, and Nγ) in Terzaghi's bearing capacity equation. For various spacing ratios (S/D) between the tunnels, the stability of the tunnels is expressed in terms of nondimensional tunnel stability factors (e.g., Fc, Fs, and Fγ), which are functions of the depth ratio (C/D) and soil internal friction angle (ϕ). For conciseness, the results will be presented in charts and tables with the tunnel stability factors that used the rigorous FELA upper (UB) and lower bound (LB) solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]