Effect of a Wheel Load on a Tunnel

[dik]

We have an existing tunnel founded in well graded granular material that is approximatly 3.5' below grade. The existing tunnel is subject to moving wheel/skid loads both across and longitudinal to it. The tunnel has been subject to these wheel/skid loads for approx 40 years. We can determine the strength of the existing tunnel wall and roof.

As a result of new construction, we are planning to introduce (temporarily) new wheel loads that are significantly greater than what it has been subjected to in past.

I'm considering sizing a reinforced slab on grade and will distribute the load out so that the maximum loading on the tunnel wall/roof is not exceeded.

I have information regarding the application of point loads behind a retaining structure and the influence of these on the lateral load.

Is there a paper that addresses the vertical load and lateral load on tunnel walls, caused by point loads at the surface? and the zone of influence of adjacent point loads caused by multiple axles?

Dik

 

[Ron]

dik...don't know of one specifically for tunnels, but there's stuff out there on culverts and pipes...a large culvert would be similar.

 

[dik]

Thanks Ron, but I had searched for info on large size boxed culverts without success. I would have thought that these are often in proximity to highways and that there would be lots of information on them.

Dik

 

[FixedEarth]

Chapters 2 & 3 may have what you need:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/engineering/hydraulics/library_arc.cfm?pub_number=32&id=58

http://www.FoundEng.com

 

[JAE]

dik - this is an excerpt from the AASHTO bridge specification on distribution of wheel loads through earth fills.