Small Pilot Tunnel Advance and Step Reverse Expansion in Super-Large-Section Tunnel Excavation

Collapse of the vault and numerous other safety accidents often occur during the construction process of large-section tunnels. The utilization of a small pilot tunnel and a step reverse expansion construction methodology is proposed based on conventional construction methods to explore safe construction technology. First, a theoretical analysis combined with on-site monitoring parameters was conducted. It showed that the maximum displacement of the tunnel surrounding rock was 0.027 m during the elastic stage and increased to 0.031 m during the strength limit stage. The overall surrounding rock deformation does not have a noticeable impact on tunnel safety. A numerical simulation model of the small pilot tunnel advancement and step reverse expansion method was established. Simulation results showed that the first two excavation steps caused 89.6% of the total overlining strata subsidence, and the use of a small pilot tunnel advancement and step reverse expansion method can enhance the tunnel support. The tunnel surrounding rock was adequately stabilized after using this excavation method and provides the in-situ conditions for expanding the pilot tunnel to the large-section tunnel. The proposed method was adopted in an actual engineering project. It protected the subsequent construction of the main tunnel and decreased construction time, saving construction costs while ensuring safety, reducing construction risks, and improving production efficiency. This research can guide similar tunneling projects.

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