An application of three-dimensional analysis around a tunnel portal under construction

Deformation of a tunnel portal during tunnel excavation is very complex, and it can affect adjacent portal structures. During the construction of the Seoul Metro Line 7, a temporary vertical shaft was constructed by cut and cover method to take out a shield machine and to excavate subsequent tunnel by New Austrian Tunneling Method. Due to the complex structure of tunnel portals, the temporary support system of the vertical shaft was expected to be subjected to an additional load during the tunnel excavation. Thus, three-dimensional analysis of the vertical shaft, including tunnel excavation process, was performed in order to ensure the safety of overall system. This paper presents behavior of the vertical shaft based on the three-dimensional numerical analysis results during the construction sequence.