A Case Study on the Lining of Atal Tunnel Subjected to Earth Pressure

Groundwater can impact tunnel lining, causing material deterioration and reducing bearing capacity. To prevent collapse, it is crucial to identify negative trends in the structure's behaviour at an early stage. FEM model can be used to analyse the effects of lining degradation. The most sensitive part of the lining is the top of the arch. An innovative approach using advanced material models in FEM analysis was applied to both the ground environment and the lining structure. The tunnel lining may be vulnerable to the adverse effects of groundwater, leading to the gradual degradation of materials over time. Reduced bearing capacity could, in extreme cases, lead to the collapse of the entire structure. Therefore, it is important to understand how the weakened structure responds to detect harmful tendencies early and proceed with treatment. Deformations near the top of the arch highlighted the most vulnerable area of the lining. A novel strategy involved using sophisticated material models in FEM analysis for the ground environment and lining structure. In this study, a case study of the Atal Tunnel has been investigated. The study results in offer insights into the tunnel lining through the modelling approach and software validation, helping to identify potential concerns such as excessive deformation and stress. Great attention should be taken while designing such structural systems. The findings of this research could be useful for designing and optimizing tunnels, ensuring their safety, and reliability during operation.