A First Order Quantification of Effects of Uncertainties in Hydro-fracturing Parameters on Tunnel Ovalization Estimates

Geotechnical and Geological Engineering

G. V. Ramana., & Shashank Pathak

2019-05-15

In-situ stresses are always present in rock-masses due to gravitational and tectonic forces. Excavation of a tunnel in such a pre-stressed media causes deformation of tunnel cross-section. Ovalization of tunnels due to in-situ stresses in rock-mass is an important design parameter. For estimation of tunnel ovalization, state of in-situ stresses needs to be determined first. In-situ stresses determined through hydro-fracturing technique (HFT) are dependent upon the three HFT parameters: (a) shut-in pressure, (b) re-opening pressure, and (c) fracture orientation. A critical review of previous studies indicates that HFT parameters are subjected to uncertainties due to (1) limitations of testing procedures and equipment, (2) assumptions and subjective engineering judgment associated with interpretation of test results, and (3) inherent variability of geological formations. Therefore, tunnel deformation estimates based on in-situ stresses determined through HFT would also be affected by these uncertainties. In this paper, a framework based on the first-order second moment method is developed to evaluate the effects of uncertainties in hydro-fracturing test data on tunnel deformation. The analysis indicates that uncertainty in tunnel deformation depends upon the uncertainty levels as well as magnitude of the three HFT parameters along with Poisson’s ratio, height of overburden, and the angular location of the point on the tunnel periphery where deformation is being estimated. It is also found that among the three parameters, the shut-in pressure has the maximum relative contribution in the resulting uncertainties in tunnel ovalization with an average of 68% (± 8% standard deviation). The proposed methodology is explained through an example case-study from Bukit Timah Granite rock-mass of Singapore. It is found that for a range of coefficient of variation of shut-in and re-opening pressure from 0 to 50%, the maximum coefficient of variation of tunnel deformation varies between 63 and 332%. In view of such high uncertainties, it is recommended that uncertainties of HFT parameters must be taken into account in the design procedure to avoid unsound engineering judgments.