Three-dimensional analysis of the interaction between tunneling and pile foundations

This paper concerns a study of the influence of construction of shallow tunnels on pile foundations. It is carried out using a three-dimensional nonlinear finite element modeling assuming an elastoplastic behavior for the soil material. Numerical simulations show that the soil movement due to tunneling induces significant internal forces (bending moment and axial force), which may lead to the plastification of piles. The distribution of internal forces depends mainly on the position of the pile tip regarding the tunnel axis and the distance of the pile axis from the center of the tunnel. Analysis of the interaction of tunneling with a pile revealed a group effect with an important reduction of internal forces in rear piles.