Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour

Sedef Ergenç; Sinem Bozatlı Kartal; Yavuz Abut

doi:10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022

Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour

Abstract

As cities continue to expand, the demand for effective underground infrastructure to address urban transportation challenges has increased. Tunnels, particularly those constructed using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), play a crucial role in managing these challenges. This study investigates the deformation behaviors of NATM tunnels under three different cover depths (17 m, 26 m, and 56 m) using the Finite Element Model (FEM) under static loading conditions. The main objective is to analyze the impact of varying cover loads on the stability and structural integrity of egg-shaped tunnel geometries, which are commonly preferred by designers. The analysis investigates deformations during excavation, focusing on both tunnel convergence and surface settlement, in a four-layered ground profile consisting of weathered soil, weathered rock, soft rock, and hard rock, respectively. By comparing these deformations under different cover loads, this study highlights critical factors influencing tunnel design and provides valuable insights for ensuring the safety and efficiency of shallow tunnel construction, particularly in multi-layered rock formations. Key findings indicate a maximum vertical displacement of -11.50 mm at the top of the final lining and a maximum compressive thrust of 155 t/m in the deepest case, demonstrating a non-linear structural response to increasing cover depth. The results, supported by graphical representations, demonstrate the importance of precise cover load calculations in tunnel stability and contribute to the development of engineering guidelines for similar projects.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of the paper.

Thanks

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Comtec Research for providing access to the trial version of the TUNAPLUS Analysis Program, which was instrumental in performing the finite element analysis for our tunnel design study.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Civil Geotechnical Engineering, Soil Mechanics in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Sedef Ergenç
0009-0001-3783-2930
Türkiye

Sinem Bozatlı Kartal
Türkiye

Yavuz Abut ^*
0000-0003-4249-7791
Türkiye

Publication Date

December 30, 2025

Submission Date

September 26, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 21, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 5 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA69WZ54RM

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Ergenç, S., Bozatlı Kartal, S., & Abut, Y. (2025). Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour. Engineering Perspective, 5(4), 234-244. https://doi.org/10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022

AMA

1.Ergenç S, Bozatlı Kartal S, Abut Y. Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour. engineeringperspective. 2025;5(4):234-244. doi:10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022

Chicago

Ergenç, Sedef, Sinem Bozatlı Kartal, and Yavuz Abut. 2025. “Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour”. Engineering Perspective 5 (4): 234-44. https://doi.org/10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022.

EndNote

Ergenç S, Bozatlı Kartal S, Abut Y (December 1, 2025) Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour. Engineering Perspective 5 4 234–244.

IEEE

[1]S. Ergenç, S. Bozatlı Kartal, and Y. Abut, “Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour”, engineeringperspective, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 234–244, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022.

ISNAD

Ergenç, Sedef - Bozatlı Kartal, Sinem - Abut, Yavuz. “Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour”. Engineering Perspective 5/4 (December 1, 2025): 234-244. https://doi.org/10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022.

JAMA

1.Ergenç S, Bozatlı Kartal S, Abut Y. Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour. engineeringperspective. 2025;5:234–244.

MLA

Ergenç, Sedef, et al. “Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour”. Engineering Perspective, vol. 5, no. 4, Dec. 2025, pp. 234-4, doi:10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022.

Vancouver

1.Sedef Ergenç, Sinem Bozatlı Kartal, Yavuz Abut. Understanding Tunnel Lining Deformations: The Influence of Cover Depth on Structural Behaviour. engineeringperspective. 2025 Dec. 1;5(4):234-4. doi:10.64808/engineeringperspective.1792022