Abstract:Explicit finite difference code was used to calculate the stability factors of shallow tunnels without internal support in limit state. The proposed method was formulated within the nonassociative plasticity. For the shallow tunnels in soft clay, without considering the influences of pore water pressure and dilatancy, numerical results were compared with the previously published solutions. From the comparisons, it is found that the present solutions agree well with the previous solutions. The accuracy of the strength reduction technique was demonstrated through the comparisons. The influence of the pore water pressure was discussed. For the shallow tunnels in dilatant cohesive-frictional soils, the dilatant analysis was carried out.

Key words: shallow tunnel; strength reduction method; dilatancy; pore water pressure