Soil displacement due to tunnelling using small scale centrifuge technology

Soil surface greenfield settlement induced by tunnelling is examined using a small scale centrifuge facility. Ground disturbance is simulated using classical model tunnel volume loss techniques. The development of the miniature tunnel and associated control systems is described. The experimental data is com-pared to predictions using the Gaussian settlement curve method of Peck (1969) and other existing literature. Good agreement is observed confirming the suitability of the small scale centrifuge environment to model tunnel boundary value problems as (i) preliminary scoping trials to inform larger scale tests, and (ii) integrate tunnel design within the undergraduate curriculum based on experimental test results.