Research on Leakage Mechanism of Underwater Shield Tunnels with Different Soil Layers during Operation Period

Different soil layer properties have great influence on tunnel leakage. In this paper, the finite element software is used to analyze the homogeneous leakage model of different soil layers and different degrees of lining deterioration. The working conditions of different soil layer properties and different degrees of lining deterioration are established by means of soil layer permeability coefficient and lining permeability coefficient, and the law of tunnel leakage under each working condition is analyzed. This paper innovatively explores the relationship between the severity of tunnel seepage caused by different lining deterioration and the soil layer properties of the tunnel. Finally, by comparing the field survey data of Dinghuaimen with the leakage law and mechanism summarized by the model, the reliability and feasibility of the model method to explore the leakage mechanism are verified. The model test results are consistent with the project survey data. In this paper, the seepage law and mechanism of underwater shield tunnel are explored and the result shows: (1) The leakage laws and stress distribution laws of a single homogeneous soil layer with different strata properties are similar. The flow velocity in the lower half of the tunnel lining is greater than the upper half, and the maximum velocity occurs at the arch foot; the velocity inside the lining is much smaller than that inside the soil layer. The maximum absolute value of the axial stress of the lining occurs at the arch waist on the left and right sides, and the minimum values of the axial stress of absolute values all occur at the dome. (2) The leakage of underwater tunnels is related to the properties of soil layers. The larger the soil permeability coefficient is, the more serious the deterioration of the tunnel lining will be, and the more serious the tunnel leakage will be. (3) The leakage of complex strata follows the law of leakage in a single homogeneous stratum. The leakage of the tunnel is the most serious in the fine sand layer with the largest permeability coefficient. Moreover, when the seepage phenomenon occurs, the water flow tends to seep along the fine sand layer to the tunnel.