Thesis Format
Integrated Article
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Program
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Supervisor
Youssef, Maged A.
Abstract
The rapid urbanization and increasing demand for underground transportation systems have led to significant advancements in tunnelling technologies. However, tunneling-induced ground settlements pose critical challenges to the safety and integrity of existing structures, particularly in densely populated urban environments. This thesis addresses these challenges by integrating geotechnical and structural engineering perspectives to comprehensively assess tunnelling effects on structures, offering novel solutions to bridge existing gaps in research and practice.
A novel artificial intelligence-driven model has been developed to accurately predict tunnel-induced settlements in cohesionless soils, offering a reliable and practical tool for early-stage design and planning. A simplified modelling approach has been introduced to efficiently evaluate tunnelling-induced surface settlements and their effects on adjacent structures, striking a balance between computational efficiency and predictive precision. Advanced numerical simulations delve deeper into the structural response of reinforced concrete (RC) frames to differential settlements caused by tunnelling, incorporating complex soil-structure interactions and nonlinear structural behaviour for a more comprehensive analysis.
Innovative scaled physical models were developed to address the scarcity of experimental data on settlement effects. These experiments provide critical insights into the response of RC structures under differential settlements while pioneering a more efficient physical modelling technique. The study successfully replicates real-world structural behaviour by employing novel material scaling methods and similitude principles, bridging the gap between theoretical predictions and practical applications in structural design and resilience.
The thesis further extends its scope by examining the interplay between differential settlements and seismic forces, providing critical insights into the combined vulnerabilities of RC frames under multi-hazard scenarios. The findings contribute to refining numerical models, enhancing predictive accuracy, and informing resilient structural design practices. By addressing both theoretical and practical aspects, this research offers a robust framework for mitigating the impacts of tunnelling on existing structures and advancing the resilience of urban infrastructure amidst complex engineering challenges.
Summary for Lay Audience
The rapid urbanization and population growth in modern cities have significantly increased the demand for efficient transportation systems. Underground tunnels are often the most practical solution to alleviate traffic congestion and connect urban centers. However, the construction of tunnels inevitably causes ground movements, which can pose serious risks to nearby buildings and infrastructure. This research investigates the impacts of tunnelling on structures and introduces innovative solutions to ensure safety, resilience, and sustainability in urban environments.
A key focus of the research is the development of advanced methods to predict ground movements and their effects on structures. Among these innovations is a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence tool that estimates ground settlement in sandy soils. This tool provides engineers with accurate and practical predictions, streamlining the planning stages of tunnelling projects. Additionally, the study examines the structural response of reinforced concrete (RC) frames, a prevalent construction type in urban settings. A simplified numerical modelling technique was developed to efficiently analyze the deformation of buildings caused by tunnelling, offering significant time and resource savings over traditional methods. The accuracy of this approach was validated against results from detailed simulations, which provided a comprehensive assessment of load redistribution and structural performance under tunnelling-induced subsidence.
To further enhance the understanding of tunnelling effects, small-scale physical models of RC frame structures were constructed using an innovative and cost-effective similitude approach. These models were tested in the laboratory with specially designed materials that accurately replicate the behaviour of full-scale structures. The research also explores the combined effects of tunnelling and seismic forces on structural capacity. By replicating these scenarios experimentally, the study reveals how these dual challenges can intensify structural damage, offering critical insights for improving building designs to withstand complex environmental conditions.
This research advances the field by bridging the gap between theoretical predictions and practical applications. The findings deepen our understanding of tunnelling-induced impacts and provide engineers with robust tools and methods for designing safer, more efficient urban infrastructure. Ultimately, this work contributes to sustainable city development, ensuring the protection of both structures and the communities they support.
Recommended Citation
El Naggar, Abdelmoneim H., "Multi-Scale Analysis of Tunnelling-Induced Settlement Effects on Reinforced Concrete Frames: Integrating Numerical, AI, and Froude-Similitude Experiments" (2025). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10768.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10768