Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 17 (2002) 363–369

3D-GSIS geotechnical modelling of tunnel intersection in soft ground:

the Second Heinenoord Tunnel, Netherlands
A.S. Elkadia, M. Huismanb,*
a
Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Microlab, P.O. Box 5048, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
b
International Institute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), Section Engineering Geology, Kanaalweg 3, 2628 EB Delft,
The Netherlands

Received 1 November 2001; received in revised form 28 January 2002; accepted 24 May 2002

Abstract

A 3D subsurface geotechnical model was developed for the Second Heinenoord Tunnel in a 3D-geo-scientific information
systems (3D-GSIS) environment. The model is developed through the establishment of a 3D-subsurface model, a tunnel
geometrical model, a 3D-grid (block) model, and the application of geostatistical modelling. The model was utilized for the
analysis of tunnel boring machine geomechanical performance with a quantitative volumetric analysis. The study demonstrated
the applicability of 3D-GSIS in modelling complex subsurface geological conditions, which is the case at the project site with
soft heterogeneous Holocene top layers. The methodology followed is applicable for feasibility and engineering analysis, and may
also be used for production estimation and model based simulation with a link to knowledge-based expert systems.
䊚 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords: 3D-GSIS; Geostatistical modelling; Lynx–GMS

1. Introduction (TBM) became available after the completion of the

The last decade witnessed the rapid development of
geographic information systems (GIS) and initiation of
geo-scientific information systems (GSIS). Both tech-
nologies provide analytical, modelling and visualization
functionality in 2D and 3D contexts. Three-dimensional
tools and modelling techniques manage the large amount
of property data, produce more accurate results for 3D
volumetric calculations, and support a complete under-
standing of property and geometric variations in the
space by the real time interactive procedures (Belcher
and Paradis, 1992). Applications of 3D-GSIS in geo-
technicalygeological engineering are rather limited when
compared to mineral and oil industries (Turner, 1992).
A wealth of information and data concerning boring
into the Dutch soft soil using tunnel boring machine
*Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: huisman@itc.nl (M. Huisman),
a.s.elkadi@citg.tudelft.nl (A.S. Elkadi).
Second Heinenoord Tunnel in September 1999. The
project consists of two tubes crossing under the Oude
Maas River and designed for cyclists and slow traffic
services. The project was preceded by empirical and
numerical predictions and accompanied by an intensive
monitoring program for various aspects of the operation.
The nature of the Dutch soil is characterized as being
soft, highly compressible soil with the ground-water
level just below or at ground surface.
The use of 3D-GSIS applications in Lynx–GMS (a
commercially available 3D geographic information sys-
tem, which is based on interactive volume modelling)
enabled solid volume modelling of the subsurface geol-
ogy and tunnel geometry. Three-dimensional geotechni-
cal modelling has been realized using the geoscience
modelling tools within the system. The intersection
between the subsurface geotechnical volume model and
the tunnel geometry allowed quantitative volumetric
analysis and geomechanical TBM performance model-
ling for two selected stretches.

0886-7798/02/$ - see front matter 䊚 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
PII: S 0 8 8 6 - 7 7 9 8 Ž 0 2 . 0 0 0 3 9 - 1
364 A.S. Elkadi, M. Huisman / Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 17 (2002) 363–369
Fig. 1. A simplified cross section showing the high variability in the lithology as encountered in the tunnel alignment.
2. The Second Heinenoord Tunnel
The Second Heinenoord Tunnel is the first large
diameter bored tunnel in the Netherlands using a shield-
ed TBM. The tunnel consists of two tubes with an
internal diameter of 7.60 m and external diameter of
8.30 m each. The bored tunnel section is 945 m long
driven with gradient 1:30 with the deepest point at
approximately NAP-30 m (NAP being the Dutch refer-
ence level). The tunnel lining consists of prefab concrete
segments (rings) each of 0.35 m thickness and 1.50 m
width (Wermer, 1998). The desire to gain experience
about large diameter tunnel boring in the Dutch soil,
resulted in the proposal to select the project as a pilot
project. An extensive monitoring program was envis-
aged. The Netherlands Centre for Underground Con-
struction (COB) commissioned a monitoring and
evaluation program according to the following technical
monitoring scheme (Bakker et al., 1999):
● monitoring the processes related to the TBM
● monitoring the geotechnical deformation
● monitoring the structural behaviour of the tunnel
lining
The local subsurface conditions at the project site are
highly variable. Significant lithological variations exist
within few meters in different directions and random
locations. Extensive soil investigations were carried out
including both in situ and laboratory testing. In situ
investigation included boreholes, Cone Penetration Tests
(CPTs), vane tests, dilatometer, and pressiometer tests.
On the riverbanks, the tunnel is mainly driven through
alternating Holocene deposits of soft clay and loose to
medium dense sand. Below the riverbed, the soil consists
of a top Pleistocene layer of firm clay (Kedichem clay)
and peat. Below a dense to very dense Pleistocene sand
layer is found, which is underlain by stiff silty clay
(Janse et al., 1997).
The TBM used in the Heinenoord project is of the
German hydroshield type using air regulated slurry face
support. The TBM has a five-spoke open star cutting
wheel with a centre-shaft bearing.
3. 3D-GSIS modelling process
3.1. Subsurface solid volume model
Solid volume modelling creates a simulated 3D envi-
ronment of the geological subsurface. The modelling
process involves a series of interactive graphical proce-
dures whereby 3D topologies, enclosed volumes and
internal characteristics can be predicted from isolated,
discrete observations (Lynx, 1992).
The solid volume modelling of the project area
(500=1800=50 m3) starts by developing parallel lon-
gitudinal profiles, which delineate the geological bound-
aries by interpolating their data from the CPT database.
No less than 23 different lithological units were identi-
fied and delineated initially (LWIyCOB, 1999), indicat-
ing the high variability in the subsurface (Fig. 1). These
sections served as the starting point for vector based
volume model by sets of volume elements. The volume
 A.S. Elkadi, M. Huisman / Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 17 (2002) 363–369
elements are developed through a boundary-matching
algorithm applied by executing a linear interpolation
between the different lithological components separately
at a common plane between the different longitudinal
sections. A multi component approach is then applied
to overcome the heterogeneity and large distortion pre-
sented by the subsurface conditions. This interactive
modelling allows the modification to account for pinch-
ing-out or bifurcation needed by some lithological units
(lenses). Finally, the complexity of the subsurface con-
ditions guides the volume modelling into iterative and
extensive process before achieving an acceptable result,
such as shown for example in Fig. 3.
3.2. Tunnel geometrical model
The tunnel model is introduced by using the centreline
design approach in Lynx–GMS. The approach is a
graphics window application that allows the design of
centreline layouts based on map data structure. The
volume components representing the geometry of the
tunnel are generated from the centrelines using circular
development components. The volume components gen-
erated were chained with 1.5 m spacing in order to
simulate the segmental lining rings of the tunnel.
After setting up this subsurface volume model and
the tunnel geometrical model, an optimised intersection
algorithm is applied to generate new volume components
from the volumetric intersection. In optimised intersec-
tion, the total thickness of a generated component
approximates a modeller specified intersection incre-
ment, which controls the precision of the volume inter-
section. An intersection increment of 0.3 m was chosen
considering the thin lenses that are possibly to be
encountered. The intersection results in identification of
the lithologies encountered within the tunnel route and
the volumetric quantities are reported for each intersec-
tion component.
3.3. Geostatistical modelling
Geostatistical modelling includes property distribution
and prediction of the spatial variation of relevant varia-
bles, based on sample information. In addition, it allows
spatial analysis of the interpreted and predicted infor-
mation in terms of volumetrics and visualization proce-
dures. The interpolation techniques include different
mathematical (Kriging) algorithms, operating on 3D-
grid model. This 3D-block model is used to contain
estimates of volumes and volume-associated variables,
such as geotechnical variables, and for representing their
spatial variation. Global coordinates and rotations posi-
tion the grid.
For developing a 3D-geotechnical model, sufficient
geotechnical parameters are needed. Data from a total
of 10 boreholes and 25 CPTs were used for establishing
365
the geotechnical database including parameters such as,
unit weight, porosity, water content, friction angle, cohe-
sion, permeability coefficient, cone resistance, and fric-
tion ratio.
Two stretches under the Oude Maas River from the
second tube were selected (each is approx. 72 m in
length) for discretization and analysis. The selected
stretches of the tunnel trajectory are driven mainly
through a layer of Kedichem clay overlain by a sand
body of Pleistocene sand. The stretches were defined
and located by the ring (lining) numbering used during
construction and for analysis (265–312 and 379–427).
The developed grid models, which could be regarded as
similar to the discretization of a tunnel tube for finite
element model analysis, have been positioned to cover
both selected stretches. Grid blocks of 1.50=0.30=0.30
m3 were introduced, with the 1.50 m coinciding with
the 1.5 m length of the lining rings, and the tunnel face
discretized to a mesh of 0.30=0.30 m2.
3.4. Statistical and spatial analysis
A series of statistical and geostatistical steps were
followed sequentially using Lynx in order to finally
achieve the property (parameter) distribution for each
unit within the grid cell centroids:
● Histogram and frequency distribution of the data to
ensure normality of data.
● Trend analysis to ensure the stationarity without a
significant trend in the values.
● Semivariogram analysis to measure the spatial varia-
bility, if any, between pairs of the data points. A 3D
control for anisotropy and tolerance with directional
control is possible.
● Fitting a Semivariogram model to obtain the para-
meters required for Kriging estimation, namely nug-
get and sill values.
● Cross validation of the Semivariogram models to
allow the calculation of the error associated with
estimation.
● Application of ordinary point Kriging estimation
algorithm within a specified search ellipse and using
a geological control. The estimated values are stored
in the grid cell centroids and could be visualized or
exported as data file in ASCII format to allow end
processing.
● Visualization of the estimation results to ensure the
integrity of estimation process. In Fig. 2, for example,
the estimation results are presented for the cone
resistance values over the two selected stretches.
4. TBM performance evaluation
TBM performance is a common, yet ambiguous, term
used in the tunnel boring industry. For soft ground
conditions, it may be used to describe the ground surface
366 A.S. Elkadi, M. Huisman / Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 17 (2002) 363–369
Fig. 2. 3D perspective for estimated cone resistance over the southern stretch.
response to the tunnelling process or the tunnelling
process, the levels of various forces, torques and advance
rates. In this study, the primary operational parameters
used to describe the performance of the TBM are the
total thrust, the cutting wheel thrust, and the cutting
wheel torque. From these, secondary parameters are
derived such as penetration rate (shield velocity),
advance rate, and cutting depth (the advance of the
TBM per revolution of the cutting wheel). The influence
of the site geological and geotechnical conditions on
these parameters is not fully treated in the literature for
tunnels in soft soils; this study attempted to analyse this
in order to contribute to an increased understanding of
the process.
The use of 3D-GSIS tools resulted in a detailed 3D
representation of the subsurface in the tunnel site. With
this, it was possible to determine the lithologies encoun-
tered by the TBM for every location in the tunnelling
trajectory and their distribution in the tunnelling face
with additional information was given by the geotechn-
ical characteristics of each lithology. In addition, the
monitored operational parameters were averaged per
ring over the selected stretches enabling a quantitative
analysis by correlating these averaged parameters with
the geotechnical data for the lithologies in the tunnel
face during the TBM advancement over that particular
ring.
5. Discussion and results
Among the various predictions that have been made
and presented during the project phase, the forces acting
on the TBM were selected for their importance in
characterizing the machine operation performance. Pre-
diction values for the total thrust and total torque forces
were presented in the COB report (van Vliet and van
Kesteren, 1996) for four main geotechnical units. The
units are Gorkum clay, Gorkum sand, Kreftenheye sand,
and Kedichem clay. The prediction values are calculated
using numerical analysis and analytical models as the
sum of individual components that make up the total.
In order to analyse and evaluate these predictions, the
percentage of the volumetric contribution from each
geological unityring was multiplied by its representative
prediction value. This has been done for the total thrust
and total torque forces. The corresponding measured
values, which have been collected by the data acquisition
system with a frequency of 0.58–1.16 Hz during boring,
were averaged per ring as well. The calculated prediction
values were then compared with their corresponding
measurements. This evaluation for the total thrust force
showed a more or less constant predicted value whereas
the measured values are clearly varying (Fig. 3). In
addition, the total measured thrust is approximately 20–
50% higher than the predicted thrust. The measured
 A.S. Elkadi, M. Huisman / Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 17 (2002) 363–369 367

Fig. 3. Predicted vs. measured total thrust forces along stretch of rings (265–312).

cutting wheel torque also appeared more variable and
generally higher than the smooth predicted values (Fig.
4), but the difference between the predicted and meas-
ured values is less than for the total thrust.
In order to identify the possibly underestimated force
component in the predictions, the error values between
the predictions and measurements of the main thrust
components have been calculated. These components
are the cutting wheel thrust, the bulkhead pressure, the
shield friction, the grout pressure and the TBM weight.
The grout component is only approximately 3% of the
total thrust and the TBM weight is approximately 1%
(Huisman and Talmon, 1999). In Fig. 5, the relative
contribution of the components is presented as calculated
per ring. This calculated relative error values for the
stretch indicated that the major uncertainty (f65%) in

Fig. 4. Predicted vs. measured cutting wheel torque along stretch of rings (265–312).
368 A.S. Elkadi, M. Huisman / Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 17 (2002) 363–369

Fig. 5. Percentile contribution of the calculated measured thrust components relative to the measured total thrust force along stretch of rings (265–
312).

Fig. 6. Calculated relative error percentage between predicted and measured thrust force components along stretch of rings (265–312).
 A.S. Elkadi, M. Huisman / Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 17 (2002) 363–369
the oversight of predicting the total thrust is related to
the friction component of the shield (Fig. 6). This is in
contrary to the first-order evaluation result (Huisman
and Talmon, 1999), where the major uncertainty was
regarded then to be the prediction of the cutting wheel
forces. The relative error for the cutting wheel is in
average approximately 10% and more or less constant
over the stretch, where the error for the bulkhead is
approximately 25% in average.
6. Conclusions
The result of this study demonstrated the applicability
of 3D-GSIS in modelling complex subsurface geological
conditions and underground engineering structures. The
geoscience modelling tools enabled producing a 3D-
geotechnical model by utilizing a limited number of
discrete samples. The insufficiency of geotechnical data
for modelling such an extent is common due to the high
costs of in-situ and laboratory testing. The use of the
geoscience modelling tools minimizes the amount of
data needed by making efficient use of the available
data.
The geotechnical model of the Second Heinenoord
Tunnel was successfully used in performance analysis
of the TBM boring process based on evaluating and
comparing the monitored performance parameters
regarding the developed geotechnical model and per-
formance prediction values. One of the analysis out-
comes clearly defined the error source in the oversight
of predicting boring forces and hence improvements to
the prediction models would be possibly introduced.
The methodology followed is applicable for feasibility
andyor engineering analysis, and may be used for
production estimation and model based simulation with
a link to knowledge-based expert systems of TBM
tunnelling.
Acknowledgments
The financial support of the Netherlands Fellowship
Program (NFP) for this study is gratefully acknowl-
369
edged. The facilities provided by the International Insti-
tute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation
(ITC) were of crucial importance for the completion of
this work. Finally, the presented data are courtesy of
COB, The Netherlands.
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