Integrated BIM-based modeling and simulation of segmental tunnel lining by means of isogeometric analysis

With the increasing demand for underground transport infrastructures in urban areas, and associated hazards during the construction of these complex structures characterized with a number of uncertainties, there is an acute need for the development of methods and tools that enable efficient and accurate exploration of the design options to minimize risks induced to the environment. Mechanized tunneling, although it requires high initial investments compared to other tunneling methods, offers a safe and productive way to construct urban tunnels. In the mechanized tunneling process, the lining plays a critical role to provide the support for internal structures, i.e roads, facilities. At the same time, it helps stabilize the ground condition. Together with the jacking system, the lining provides the mean to thrust the tunnel shield (TBM) during excavation. In this work, we address the problem of effective modeling and simulation of the tunnel lining segment. The objective is to demonstrate a systematic and versatile approach to analyze the tunnel lining in different practical scenarios. In terms of modeling, a BIM-based approach is used, which connects the user-friendly software interface used in daily engineering practice with effective simulation tools. The proposed approach utilizes high-order definition of geometry in the design model as well as parametric model definitions to reconstruct the corresponding high-order numerical models. This results in a high-accuracy and computationally low-cost model to analyze a complex structure including an interaction with the soil based on a nonlinear surface springs model. In addition, it allows to analyze the stress and bending moment in the lining segment with high accuracy. The numerical results show that negligible modeling efforts and a reduced computational time up to ten times for given accuracy are achieved.