Design of Bolo Tunnels - Parte-1
Design of Bolo Tunnels - Parte-1
Design of Bolo Tunnels - Parte-1
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1
A wide literature is available about the methodology to evaluate the seismic shear induced
in the subsoil by a seismic event. A rough estimation is the ratio between shear wave veloc-
ity Cs and peak particle velocity at tunnel depth:
Vs G
γ where Cs Vs is the peak ground velocity at tunnel depth
Cs ρ
ρ is the density of the soil
G is the shear modulus of the soil
A better evaluation of the induced maximum shear strains is attained by performing a linear
equivalent analysis on a resonant column modeling the soil stratigraphy.
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102.2-R-133 / 12.37
The original tunnel design followed the NATM principles, proceeding with shotcrete, rock
bolts and light steel ribs. While excavating, following to major tunneling difficulties, new
heavier cross sections needed to be added to the original design.
The excavation was proceeding from both portals, western (Asarsuyu) and eastern (El-
malik). On 12.11.1999, stretches of about 1670 m and 730 m were already excavated re-
spectively from Asarsuyu and Elmalik portals. A stretch of about 960 m was still to exca-
vate and a reconnaissance gallery was excavated on the right tube (Elmalik face) whose
face was only about 380 m from the opposite face.
3. DAMAGES DESCRIPTION
The area suffered the two major Turkish earthquakes of 1999 (see figure 4 for a seismic
map of the area). Kocaeli (Izmit) Earthquake struck on 17.08.1999, with an Mw 7.4. The
epicenter was located about 150 km west of the site. Close to tunnel site a PGA of
0.25÷0.35 g was recorded. No major damages were suffered by the tunnel.
Düzce Earthquake struck on 12.11.1999, the magnitude (Mw 7.2) was lower than Izmit one,
but the epicenter was only 20 km west of the site. PGA and PGV of 0.81 g and 0.66 m/s
were experienced at site; the surface rupture extended to 3 km from western portal. The
tunnel suffered major damages and collapsed in a stretch of almost 400 m (figure 3).
The heavier damages have been recorded at Elmalik (Ankara) side where the above men-
tioned total collapse occurred in both tubes.
Also at Asarsuyu side damages to lining and invert uplift (in non reinforced stretches) were
observed. The excavation, where a major fault gauge was being crossed, was proceeding by
advancing two 5 m diameter pilot tunnels at benches (OPTION 4). These last were badly
affected by the earthquake: the ribs buckled and invert heaved, requiring heavy re-profiling
and reparations.
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102.2-R-133 / 12.37
The induced shear strain at the tunnel level depends on a huge amount of factors (i.e.: layer-
ing of the medium, shear modulus and density of the layers, damping ratio, inclination of
layers boundaries, etc
). In particular, in a layered medium reflection and refraction of
seismic waves can induce concentration of shear strains at certain levels. Therefore the
evaluation of the shear strain induced by an earthquake at a certain depth cannot neglect the
layering of the soil stratigraphy.
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A portion of the Trans European Motorway (TEM) network, the Turkish motorway linking
Ankara to Istanbul is currently under construction. The crossing of the Bolu Mountain is
included in the 120 km section between Gümüşova and Gerede. The last 25 km stretch, the
most challenging, runs parallel to the North Anatolian Fault. This stretch, under construc-
tion, includes several viaducts and the Bolu tunnel.
The Bolu tunnel is a 3360 m long twin bored three lanes tunnel.
The average excavated radius is 8 m, corresponding to an x-section area between 190 and
260 m2. The width of the ground pillar between tubes varies from about 28 m at portals to
almost 48 m. Depths are up to 250 m; on 86% of the total length, overburdens are higher
than 100 m and on 48% higher than 150 m.
In Figure 3 the Bolu tunnel longitudinal profile is sketched and the lithology encountered is
indicated. A wide range of soils is represented, mainly highly tectonised series of mud-
stones, siltstones and limestones, fault gouge clays. The consistence of the soil varies from
competent rock requiring blasting to very weak clayey zones where heavy advancement
problems were encountered.
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102.2-R-133 / 12.37
While longitudinal loads (figures 1a and 1b) are generally not critical for overall stability
(mainly radial cracks are induced and can be partly absorbed by radial joints in lining), the
ovaling of the cross section is critical, and, affecting the integrity of the cross section, can in-
duce the failure of the lining.
Tension
Compression
The ovaling of the cross section is induced by shear waves propagating within the soil from
the vibrating bedrock toward the surface. The phenomenon can be sketched as in Figure 2.
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102.2-R-133 / 12.37
Walter AMBERG
Chief of the Technical and Scientific Department
Marco RUSSO
Engineer of the Technical and Scientific Department
ABSTRACT: Traditionally low seismic risk is associated to tunnels and buried structures.
Nonetheless collapses or heavy damages in underground structures have been reported fol-
lowing to Kobe and Loma Prieta earthquakes. More recently, following to Düzce earthquake,
in Turkey, an almost 400 m long stretch under construction of the Bolu tunnel collapsed con-
firming that, in soft soils or close to important seismic sources, a seismic analysis of tunnels is
advisable. Here the procedure followed for seismic upgrade of the design of the Bolu tunnel is
exposed together with some main results.
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