Response of Building Frame to Vibrations Induced by Tunneling Study Using Shake-Table Tests

Abstract

This article uses shake table tests to examine how tunnelling affects framed construction response on different foundations. Accelerometers on different floors were mounted to examine the outcome of a utility tunnel with the help of two scaled prototype steel buildings. Three popular foundation types, i.e., isolated, mat, and pile foundation along with two scaled prototype steel building frame heights were tested. To account for the development of the ovalling effect of tunnel, both the frame models were vibrated orthogonally to the axis of tunnel by considering two ground motions, i.e., El Centro N-S (north-south) and MDR N-S as an input motion. The investigation showed that the ovalling effect of circular tunnel largely affects building displacement when it is just below the central axis. The result is the same for all foundations. As the building frame and tunnel distance increased, the circular tunnel ovalling effect decreased. Buildings built over isolated foundations are most damaged, whereas those built on pile foundations are least affected. The results obtained from the tests demonstrate that higher rise prototype sized steel buildings are more affected than low-rise frames.