Fondo Dique

Notitie / Note
Onze referentie / Our reference Van / From
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B O.P.M. Mooijman

Onderwerp / Subject C.c.
Coatzacoalcos Immersed Tunnel CTC - G. Estevez,

P. Barten, W.P.S. Janssen
Datum / Date Paraaf / Controle
10 december 2007
Aan / To
FCC F. Esteban-Lefler
Betreft / Concerning
Castin Basin, settlement analysis
1 INTRODUCTION
The tunnel segments for the Coatzacoalcos immersed tunnel will be constructed on a
building site on the east bank of Rio Coatzacoalos (Allende), a short distance south of
the tunnel location.
As the tunnel elements will be floated out, the segments will be made in a purpose-built
casting basin. The total excavation depth ranges from approximately 13 to 17 m, as a
result of the present variations of the surface level.
Calculations have been made to predict the heave of the basin floor due to excavation,
and the settlement of the basin floor due to the lowering of the groundwater table and
the load from the tunnel segments as they are constructed. The analysis was performed
for TE2 and TE 5. Because of the relatively uniform ground conditions, these results are
seen as representative for other tunnel elements.
The calculation have been based on the site investigation as performed by Tecnosuelo,
as supplied by the project principal. Settlement calculations have been performed using
the MSettle geotechnical software (version 7.3, Delft Geosystems,
www.delftgeosystems.nl).
In November 22, 2007 a new excavation and casting sequence was proposed by the
site staff. This revision B of the technical note describes the results of new calculations,
based on the latest casting sequence. The earlier results show, that the settlement and
rotations of the tunnel elements during casting are mainly governed by the casting
sequence.
Onderwerp / Subject
Coatzacoalcos Immersed Tunnel
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
Onze referentie / Our reference Blad / Page
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 2 van / of 10
2 HEAVE/SETTLEMENT ANALYSIS
2.1 General
The excavation of the casting basin will be executed in several phases to a maximum
depth of about +89,0 m. A bentonite perimeter screen will be made to prevent the
horizontal inflow of (phreatic) groundwater. The water pressure in de deep sand layer
will be reduced to prevent upheave and bursting of the excavated pit by means of relief
wells.
The stress reduction due to the excavation, and the stress increase due to the lowering
of the ground water table and the construction of the tunnel segments can be modeled
directly as superimposed loads in MSettle. The dissipation of pore water pressures is
taken into account. MSettle will however use the same vertical consolidation coefficient
for both compression and heave. It is assumed that heave will take place 10 times more
rapidly than compression. In order to model this accelerated heave, the resting time
after the completion of the excavation work has been increased with a factor 10.
The calculations have been made using the settlement theory of Bjerrum.
The subsurface at the casting basin site has been modeled based on the performed site
investigation (DS1 to DS6, CPT 7 to CPT10).
2.2 Soil parameters

The soil parameters have been chosen based on the results of the geotechnical
laboratory tests as performed by Tecnosuelo.
The soil parameters used in the calculations are given in table 1. The layer boundaries
are given for the central North-South axis of the casting basin (TE2-TE5).
Table 1 : soil parameters, casting basin settlement analysis (TE2 – TE5)

Top of layer Soil type Soil Density Stiffness parameters Vertical
[m. rel to ref] Gamma Gamma RR CR Cα consolidation
dry wet [-] [-] [-] coefficient
3 3 2
[kN/m ] [kN/m ] C v [m /s]
-3
+106,0 SAND (4a) 18,0 20,0 0,0020 0,0080 0,0000 1,00 x 10
-7
+88,5 to CLAY, 17,0 17,0 0,0350 0,2800 0,0060 3,00 x 10
+88,0 moderate
-7
+80,0 CLAY, stiff 17,0 17,0 0,0300 0,2500 0,0060 3,00 x 10
-3
+70,0 SAND (6) 18,0 20,0 0,0000 0,0020 0,0000 1,00 x 10
With :
RR = recompression index (-).
CR = compression ratio (-).
Cα = secondary compression index (-).
Cv = consolidation coefficient
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 3 van / of 10
2.3 Calculation criteria

The phasing of excavation of the casting basin has been modeled based on the
information given by Constructora Tunél de Coatzacoalcos. Several assumptions were
made to complete the model.
The following design criteria apply :

- The casting basin will be excavated to a depth of +89,0 m. In those parts of the
casting basin where a more shallow clay layer is expected, excavation will continue
to +88,5 m for soil improvement purposes.
- The tunnel elements will be placed on a gravel bed (0,5 to 0,8 m thick).
2
- The foundation pressure from the tunnel floor is 32 kN/m .
2
- The extra foundation pressure from the inner walls is 6 kN/m .
2
- The foundation pressure from the outer walls and roof slab is 42 kN/m .
Plannning :
- The casting basin will be excavated in 2 phases (north/south). Excavation work will
take place at least 100 m from the tunnel elements under construction.
- The casting basin floor will be leveled to its desired profile shortly before the start of
the construction of each tunnel element.
- The differential settlement of the casting basement floor at the start of construction,
for one tunnel segment of 23 m, must not exceed 5 mm.
- To ensure the correct functioning of the Gina profiles (which guarantee the water
tightness of the immersion joints between the tunnel elements) the end frames of
the tunnel elements must be installed with high accuracy. Tolerances of only a
few mm apply.
- A rock foot will be installed along the east side of the excavation.
The excavation sequence used in the geotechnical model is given in table 2.

Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 4 van / of 10
Table 2. Excavation sequence (simplified)

Step Date Time [days] Event
Start excavate down to phreatic water table
1 15-3-2007 1 (about +103,5 m)
2 15-5-2007 61 Lower phreatic water table to +101,0 m
3 30-5-2007 76 Start excavate north+south to +102,0 m
4 10-9-2007 179 Lower phreatic water table to +96.5, north side
5 20-9-2007 189 Start excavate to +97.5 m, north side
Lower phreatic water table to +92.0 m (north side),
6.0 15-11-2007 245 lower deep water to +99.0 m
6.1 17-11-2007 247 Lower phreatic water table to +96.5 south side
6.2 23-11-2007 253 Start excavate to +97.5 m, south side
6.3 30-11-2007 260 Start excavate to +93.0, north side
6.4 4-1-2008 295 Lower phreatic water table to +92.0 m (south side)
7.0 7-1-2008 298 Start excavate to +93.0 m ,south side
Lower phreatic water table to +88.0 m, north side,
7.1 9-1-2008 300 maintain deep water level at +99.0 m
8.0 14-1-2008 305 Start excavate to +89.0, north side
8.1 29-1-2008 320 Lower phreatic water table to +88.0 m, south side
9.0 3-2-2008 325 North complete
9.1 4-2-2008 326 Start excavate to +88.0 m, south side
10 18-2-2008 340 South complete
The water levels given in table 2 are assumed and must not be used in the actual
design of the pumping operation.
The casting of construction of the tunnel segments will take place in a continuous
process. The casting sequence, as assumed in the geotechnical model, is given in
table 3.
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 5 van / of 10
Table 3 : casting sequence (simplified)

Date Time [days] Activity
28-2-2008 350 Tunnel floor segment 2.2

6-3-2008 357 Rest
15-3-2008 366 Inner walls segment 2.2
27-3-2008 378 Outer walls + roof segment 2.2
5-6-2008 448 Outer walls + roof segment 2.1 (TE2 complete)
7-8-2008 511 Rest
21-8-2008 525 Rest
28-8-2008 532 Outer walls + roof segment 5.1 (TE5 complete)
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 6 van / of 10
The load from the tunnel floor of the individual segments is modeled as semi-rigid. The
walls and roof sections of the segments are modeled as rigid loads. During the
construction of the tunnel elements, additional stiffness will be achieved between the
tunnel segments. This additional stiffness has not been modeled.
The effects of the construction of TE’s 1,3,4 and 6 are not accounted for. Because of
the distance between the elements (approximately 12 m), significant interaction of these
loads is not expected. The load from TE2 can lead to some additional settlements for
segment 1 of TE5. As the surface for the first segment of TE5 will in all cases be re-
profiled shortly before casting of the segment floor, these additional settlements have
not been taken into account.
On the east side of the casting basin, a rock foot with a maximum thickness of about
4 m will be installed. Near the tunnel segments, the rock foot is placed under the
excavation floor. The distance between the rock foot and the tunnel segments and the
point where the rock foot reaches its maximum thickness is about 20 m. Significant
influences are therefore not expected.
2.4 Results
Time-settlement curves have been calculated for the outer ends of the segments of the
Tunnel Elements. The results have been used to determine the settlement difference
and settlement profiles during construction of the tunnel element.
The settlement profiles are given in the annexes.
The graphs in the annex present the following results :

- Settlement profile per time interval.
- Final settlement profile with stiffness between completed tunnel segments,
without re-profiling of the casting frame (not leveled).
- Final settlement profile with stiffness between completed tunnel segments,
with re-profiling of all casting frames directly prior to casting of the tunnel floor
(leveled).
The settlement profile per time interval represents the deformation of the casting basin
floor during construction, i.e. without re-profiling and not taking into account the
stiffness between completed segments. It is assumed that the building site is leveled to
its desired shape shortly before the start of the work. The times used in the graphs
correspond with those given in table 3.
The highlighted profiles show the total deformation of the tunnel element, taking into
account the stiffness between completed segments. As a result of the stiffness between
tunnel elements, stress redistribution will take place. Redistribution of stresses has not
been modeled in Msettle.
As can be seen on the graphs in the annex, the differential settlements per segment,
prior to construction, are about 4 to 5 mm, except for segment 1 and 6 of each tunnel
element. After the walls and the roof of the tunnel segments are connected, rotations
cannot increase further. Calculations show, that between the construction of the floors
and the walls and roofs of the tunnel elements, differential settlements increase with
about 2 to 3 mm.
The margin of error in settlement calculations is estimated at +/- 30%.

Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 7 van / of 10
To allow for accurate installation of the end frames the gravel bed shall be re-profiled
shortly before the start of construction of the floors of the end segments. Based on the
assumed casting sequence, the re-profiling of the gravel bed foundation for segment 6
shall be done after pouring the walls and roof of segment 4.
Additional calculations show, soil improvement has limited effect on the magnitude of
the settlements during construction.
Alternative casting sequences, where the floors of all segments of an element are made
first do not allow for correction of possible settlement deviations during the work and are
therefore not recommended.
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 8 van / of 10
3 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Heave and settlement

The tunnel elements for the Coatzacoalcos Immersed Tunnel will be constructed in a
casting basin near the tunnel site. Geotechnical site investigation shows, that clay
layers are present beneath the floor of the casting basin. These clay layers will cause
settlements due to the lowering of the ground water table and the loads from the tunnel
elements under construction. Before the start of the construction of the tunnel elements,
significant excavations will take place. These excavations will cause heave of the
casting basin floor.
Because of the time lag between completion of the excavation and the start of tunnel
element construction, it is expected that a large part of the heave will occur before the
building process starts. It is advised to monitor the heave of the casting basin floor by
means of extensometers.
The settlements during tunnel element construction occur as a result of (re)loading from
the weight of the tunnel elements. Calculations show, that these settlements will cause
limited rotations in the floor of the casting basin. It is required that the differential
settlement of the floor of the casting basin does not exceed 5 mm before the start of the
work on each 23-m segment. Calculations show that this 5 mm requirement is met for
segments 2 to 5.
Because of the required higher accuracy of the end frames, the gravel bed foundation
for segment 1 and 6 must be re-profiled before casting the segment floors.
The settlements are time-dependent and have been calculated on the basis of a given
work planning. If delays occur during construction, settlement differences will increase,
requiring re-profiling of the casting basin floor.
3.2 Excavation floor

The excavated floor of the casting basin must be prepared in such a way, that extra
settlements from loosely packed (sand) layers are avoided. This holds for the ground
level after excavation and profiling as well as ground improvement (if any).
The tunnel elements will be constructed on a gravel bed, which will be placed on a sand
layer. The results of the site investigation show, that such a sand layer is, in part,
present.
In order to make sure that a sufficiently thick and compacted sand layer is present it is
advised to take the following additional measures:
- To avoid remolding and facilitate vibration compaction, the phreatic water level must
at all times be maintained at least 0,5 m beneath the work level.
- The excavated surface must be closely inspected to identify weak, remolded or silty
material at the surface. Weak, remolded or silty material must be removed and
replaced (soil improvement). To ensure a uniform subsurface, soil improvement
must take place for entire tunnel segments.
- Soil improvement must take place using well-graded and compactable sand (fine
aggregate, see ASTM C33). The sand must be compacted by means of vibration
equipment in layers of no more than 0,25 m.
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 9 van / of 10
It is recommended to check the thickness of the remaining sand layer and the quality of
2
soil improvement by means of manual CPT’s (1 cm cone). The cone tip resistance in
the compacted layer should be at least 4 MPa.
The tunnel elements will be constructed on a compacted gravel bed. The gravel bed has
the following two purposes:
1. Distribution of the loads from the tunnel element.
2. Permeable base to ensure flotation of the tunnel elements.
Between the tunnel element ant the top of the gravel bed, an impermeable layer will be
placed to prevent inflow of concrete into the gravel bed. The granulometry proposed by
Tecnosuelo (e-mail 22 November 2007, see annex) complies with the two criteria given
above.
3.3 Geotechnical monitoring

In the settlement/heave analysis, assumptions have been made as to the speed in
which heave will occur. It is advised to measure the heave of the casting basin floor
during excavation by means of extensometers.
It is advised to place 2 extensometers down to about 40 m depth (relative to the present

surface) before the start of the excavation work. The extensometer should consist of a
regular smooth inclinometer tube around which “spider magnets” can be placed. For
each borehole, 10 spider magnets must be placed at depths of +88,0 , +86,0 , +84,0 ,
+82,0 , +80,0 , +78,0 , +76,0 , +74,0 , +72,0 and +70,0 m. A reference magnet must be
placed at the bottom of the tube at about +74,0 m.
The ground deformations must be measured once per week. The results of the
deformation measurements are to be evaluated by the geotechnical engineer.
Depending on the results, the monitoring frequency may be reduced.
The borehole will completely penetrate a clay layer which in the excavated situation will
have to resist a water pressure of about 100 kPa. The extensometer must be installed
before the deep ground water table is lowered. The water tightness of the extensometer
must be guaranteed by the contractor.
As the extensometer includes a reference magnet at the bottom of the hole, the plastic
tube may (carefully) be cut off as the excavation progresses. To increase accuracy, is
advised to regularly measure the level of the top of the tube. Care must be taken to
select stable reference points outside the casting basin. As a result of the lowering of
the (deep) water table, some settlements may occur outside the casting basin. The
reference points must therefore be chosen some distance from the casting basin,
preferably on heavy structures placed on foundation piles.
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B 10 van / of 10
ANNEXES
I Geotechnical profiles Figures 11, 12 13 and 14

II Compression test DS2 : TS-02, DS4 : TS-02, DS6 : TS-03, TS-04 and TS-05
III MSettle Model
IV Settlement profiles TE2 and TE5
V Granulometry for gravel bed (grafica “B”)
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
Onze referentie / Our reference
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B
I GEOTECHNICAL PROFILES
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B
II COMPRESSION TEST
CURVA DE COMPRESIBILIDAD
1,00
0,95
0,90
0,85
RELACION DE VACIOS (e)
0,80
0,75
0,70
0,65
0,60
0,55
0,50
0,10 1,00 10,00
PRESION EFECTIVA, σc (kg/cm²) escala Log
σc σ0 OCR Cc Cs
w% Ss e Gw % (kg/cm²) (kg/cm²)
34 2,543 0,913 99
CLASIFICACIÓN
PRUEBA:
LUGAR: SONDEO:
COATZACOALCOS, VER. DS2 (DIQUE SECO)
MUESTRA PROFUNDIDAD FIGURA:
TS-02
45.00m -46.00m 1
1,15
1,05
0,95
0,85
0,75
0,65
0,55
0,10 1,00 10,00
σc σ0 OCR Cc Cs
41 2,590 1,036 107
CLASIFICACIÓN
PRUEBA:
LUGAR: SONDEO:
TS-02
45.00m - 46.00m 1
1,15
1,05
0,95
0,85
0,75
0,65
0,55
0,10 1,00 10,00
σc σ0 OCR Cc Cs
40 2,607 1,165 96
CLASIFICACIÓN
PRUEBA:
LUGAR: SONDEO:
TS-05
39.00m - 40.00m 1
1,15
1,05
0,95
0,85
0,75
0,65
0,55
0,10 1,00 10,00
σc σ0 OCR Cc Cs
34 2,592 1,164 119
CLASIFICACIÓN
PRUEBA:
LUGAR: SONDEO:
TS-03
27.00m - 28.00m 1
1,35
1,25
1,15
1,05
0,95
0,85
0,10 1,00 10,00
σc σ0 OCR Cc Cs
47 2,554 1,238 104
CLASIFICACIÓN
PRUEBA:
LUGAR: SONDEO:
TS-04
32.00m - 33.00m 1
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B
III MSETTLE MODEL

3. CLAY, moderate
9. Excavation
8. Excavation
7. Excavation
6. Excavation
5. Excavation
2. CLAY, stiff
4. SAND, 4a
1. SAND 6
Layers
525,000
Geometry View
5
6
9
8
7
-250,000
MSettle 7.3 : TE2-TE5_extralayer_finalplanning.sli
date drw.
Barbarossastraat 35 Phone +31 (0)24 - 328 42 84
Royal Haskoning
6522 DK Nijmegen Fax +31 (0)24 - 323 93 46 17-10-2007 OPMM
ctr.
Casting Basin form.
Annex A4
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B
IV SETTLEMENT PROFILES TE2 AND TE5

Settlement profile TE2, casting sequence 22 november 2007
10.0
0.0
t= 350 : BS 2.2
t= 364 : BS 2.3
-10.0 t= 366 : IW 2.2
t= 371 : BS 2.4
Settlement (mm)
t= 375 : IW 2.3
t= 378 : OW-RS 2.2
t= 385 : BS 2.5
-20.0 t= 389 : IW 2.4
t= 392 : OW-RS 2.3
t= 399 : BS 2.6
t= 403 : IW 2.5
-30.0 t= 406 : OW-RS 2.4
t= 413 : BS 2.1
t= 417 : IW 2.6
t= 420 : OW-RS 2.5
t= 431 : IW 2.1
-40.0 t= 434 : OW- RS 2.6
t= 448 : OW-RS 2.1
Final def TE2, levelled
Final def TE2, not levelled
-50.0
-23.0 0.0 23.0 46.0 69.0 92.0 115.0 138.0 161.0
Distance (m)
Settlement profile TE5, casting sequence 22 november 2007
10.0
0.0
t= 427 : BS 5.2
t= 441 : BS 5.3
-10.0 t= 445 : IW 5.2
t= 455 : BS 5.4
Settlement (mm)
t= 459 : IW 5.3
t= 462 : OW-RS 5.2
t= 469 : BS 5.5
-20.0
t= 473 : IW 5.4
t= 476 : OW-RS 5.3
t= 483 : BS 5.6
t= 487 : IW 5.5
-30.0 t= 490 : OW-RS 5.4
t= 497 : BS 5.1
t= 501 : IW 5.6
t= 504 : OW-RS 5.5
t= 515 : IW 5.1
-40.0
t= 518 : OW-RS 5.6
t= 532 : OW-RS 5.1
Final def TE5, levelled
Final def TE5, not levelled
-50.0
-23.0 0.0 23.0 46.0 69.0 92.0 115.0 138.0 161.0
Distance (m)
Onderwerp / Subject
Datum / Date
10 december 2007
7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B
V GRANULOMETRY FOR GRAVEL BED (GRAFICA "B")

Fondo Dique

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Fondo Dique

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Notitie / Note

Onze referentie / Our reference Van / From

7237040M/OM/JV/N070266_B O.P.M. Mooijman

Coatzacoalcos Immersed Tunnel CTC - G. Estevez,

Datum / Date Paraaf / Controle

Castin Basin, settlement analysis

2.2 Soil parameters

Table 1 : soil parameters, casting basin settlement analysis (TE2 – TE5)

2.3 Calculation criteria

The following design criteria apply :

The excavation sequence used in the geotechnical model is given in table 2.

Table 2. Excavation sequence (simplified)

Table 3 : casting sequence (simplified)

28-2-2008 350 Tunnel floor segment 2.2

The settlement profiles are given in the annexes.

The graphs in the annex present the following results :

The margin of error in settlement calculations is estimated at +/- 30%.

3 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

3.1 Heave and settlement

3.2 Excavation floor

3.3 Geotechnical monitoring

It is advised to place 2 extensometers down to about 40 m depth (relative to the present

I Geotechnical profiles Figures 11, 12 13 and 14

III MSETTLE MODEL

IV SETTLEMENT PROFILES TE2 AND TE5

V GRANULOMETRY FOR GRAVEL BED (GRAFICA "B")

You might also like