Analysis of pile load distribution and ground behaviour depending on vertical offset between pile tip and tunnel crown in sand through laboratory model test

Tunnelling in urban areas, it is essential to understand existing structure-tunnel interactive behavior. Serviced structures in the city are supported by pile foundation, since they are certainly effected due to tunnelling. In this research, thus, pile load distribution and ground behavior due to tunnelling below grouped pile were investigated using laboratory model test. Grouped pile foundations were considered as 2, 3 row pile and offsets (between pile tip and tunnel crown: 0.5D, 1.0D and 1.5D for generalization to tunnel diameter, D means tunnel diameter). Soil in the tank for laboratory model test was formed by loose sand (relative density: Dr = 30%) and strain gauges were attached to the pile inner shaft to estimate distribution of axial force. Also, settlements of grouped pile and adjacent ground surface depending on the offsets were measured by LVDT and dial gauge, respectively. Tunnelling-induced deformation of underground was measured by close range photogrammetric technique. Numerical analysis was conducted to analyze and compare with results from laboratory model test and close range photogrammetry. For expression of tunnel excavation, the concept of volume loss was applied in this study, it was 1.5%. As a result from this study, far offset, the smaller reduction of pile axial load and was appeared trend of settlement was similar among them. Particulary, ratio of pile load and settlement reduction were larger when the offset is from 0.5D to 1.0D than from 1.0D to 1.5D.