Isogeometric Analysis for BIM-based Design and Simulation of Segmental Tunnel Lining

The design and analysis of segmental tunnel lining is today often based on empirical solutions with simplified assumptions. This work showcases the application of Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) for computationally efficient simulations of tunnel linings [1, 2]. In our past research, we developed a design-through-analysis procedure that consists of i) parametric modeling of the segmented tunnel lining; ii) development of an IGA computational framework, iii) reconstruction of the BIM lining model for IGA analysis, and iv) simulation model for lining including a reconstructed IGA model, contact interfaces between the joints, and a non-linear soil-structure interaction model based on the Variational Hyperstatic Reaction Method (VHRM) [3].In this paper, we extend our method for the analysis of subrectangular tunnel linings and demonstrate its efficiency using the example of the Shanghai express tunnel. The advantage of our novel method is the flexibility in adapting the tunnel alignment with the help of NURBS/CAD technology. Employing the high-order geometry definition, convergence of the mesh refinement procedure can be obtained with much faster rate. As a result, the modelling effort and computational time are reduced significantly. Moreover, this approach allows to capture the bending moment with better regularity. The combination with an existing BIM modelling approach via geometry reconstruction leads to a very efficient framework for tunnel lining analysis and design.