This paper on "Developing a Tool for Bored Tunnel Design" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on The Evolution of Product Simulation From Established Methods to Virtual Testing & Prototyping - 24-28 April 2001, The Grand Hotel, Lake Como, Italy.

Summary

This paper covers the development of a numerical model for bored tunnel design. A first step in this process has been the development and validation of a finite element model for lining calculations. This model has been used to postdict experimental results from a full-scale laboratory test. The simulation results showed a good agreement with the experimental data Still, a lot of parameters will have to be investigated in order to obtain a comprehensive reliable numerical model. In the following sections, the test facility, model development and postdiction results are described. Finally, some future research topics are presented.