Advanced Simulation Framework for Mechanized Tunneling in Urban Environment

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Ba Trung Cao
• Subject Area: Geotechnics, Hydraulic Engineering ; Structural Engineering, Building Informatics and Construction Operation
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 518862444

In this project, we develop and apply a novel computational framework based on the Cut Finite Element Method (CutFEM) for process-oriented simulation in Mechanized Tunneling. Advantages of the high-order discretization techniques are adopted to further improve the accuracy and robustness of the computation. The tunneling simulation concept based on CutFEM is extended to the higher-order setting by integrating the Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) components, namely the background mesh, the lining and the underground structures. We aim to incorporate the high level of detail (LOD) structures to the analysis, since this will help to gain further insight into the interaction between the tunnel construction process and the surrounding infrastructure. The standard Building Information Model (BIM) modelling process will be utilized to manage the data information from the tunneling process, as well as buildings and underground structures, such as the metro station, building foundations and water pipelines. An analysis framework involving usage of state-of-the-art analysis software with proper linkage to the BIM modelling platform will be developed. This framework is also the basis to implement a real-time prediction strategy incorporating uncertainties from the tunneling process. In this strategy, surrogate models based on machine learning (ML) techniques will be developed to perform real-time reliability analysis, which is capable of quickly predicting soil-tunnel interactions and tunneling-induced responses of existing structures considering polymorphic uncertainties. We apply this platform for practical scenarios, firstly by constructing the BIM data management, simulation models, surrogate models and reliability analyses for the Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Metro project, which is expected to start in near future. Using the project data provided from the research partner, different excavation scenarios will be proposed. In each scenario, the process parameters, e.g. grouting pressure and face pressure, will be optimized against the interaction with the surrounding structures. The parameters to be optimized are the computed surface settlement, the leaning angle of the buildings and structural forces and deformations of underground structures. Since seismic loading is an important factor in designing the construction project in Vietnam, we incorporate this capability to the analysis by making use of the Spectral Finite Element Method (SpecFEM). At the end of this process, guidelines for an optimized construction scenario are proposed to maximize the safety factor of the construction project.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Vietnam
• Partner Organisation: National Foundation of Science and Technology Development of Vietnam (NAFOSTED)
• Cooperation Partner: Professor Dr. Ngoc Anh Do
• Co-Investigator: Dr.-Ing. Hoang Giang Bui, Ph.D.