The project organisation HSL-Zuid commissioned GeoDelft and WL / Delft Hydraulics, as partners in Delft Cluster, to conduct research concerning the grouting process at the Groene Hart Tunnel. The Groene Hart Tunnel is part of the High Speed Railway Link between Amsterdam and Paris. The research focuses on the grouting of the annular space created by the tunnel boring machine (TBM). The grouting process is of importance with respect to (sub)surface settlements of the soil and the structural integrity of the tunnel lining. At some selected locations, the tunnel lining segments have been equipped with pressure sensors.
In 2004, WL / Delft Hydraulics¿ contribution to the project consisted of:
1) Bilateral cooperation with industry partners within the COB¿research committee Tunnel construction.
2) Analysis of grouting pressures and consolidation at a tunnel passage in the Noordplaspolder.
3) Design of a laboratory experiment on the interaction between the movement of the tunnel lining and reaction forces from the grout.
4) Publications have been prepared for international conferences ITA, TC28 and ICSMGE. The subjects include: beam-action of the tunnel lining, calculation of grout pressures around tunnel linings (see also WL / Delft Hydraulics' website), thickening and resistance of mixtures in Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machines,
5) Different aspects of monitoring, measuring and data acquisition during the construction of bored tunnels. |
