Soil Arching
Soil Arching
(OP)
Hello,
Can anyone give some references to effects of soil arching on underground openings.
I am trying to figure out when soil arching becomes a factor, at what depth does soil arching begin to aid in reducing the overburden pressure (of soil and a surcharge)above the tunnel. I am looking at shallow tunnels but would like to include in my analysis soil arching effects.
Thanks
Can anyone give some references to effects of soil arching on underground openings.
I am trying to figure out when soil arching becomes a factor, at what depth does soil arching begin to aid in reducing the overburden pressure (of soil and a surcharge)above the tunnel. I am looking at shallow tunnels but would like to include in my analysis soil arching effects.
Thanks





RE: Soil Arching
The amount of arching depends on the relative difference in stiffness and the amount of load available to arch. Also keep in mind that the stiffness of soil is often differnet for long and short term loads, i.e. overburden and surcharge loads.
To directly answer your question, I'm not familiar with any references that quantify these effects and the only way I know to do so would be to complete a finite element study of the situation.
RE: Soil Arching