Spatial Variability of Grouting Layer of Shield Tunnel and Its Effect on Ground Settlement

This study aims to investigate the effect of the spatial variability of grouting-layer thickness on ground-surface settlement caused by shield tunneling and to provide a rational prediction method. The spatial characteristics of grouting layers were obtained based on statistical analysis. The random finite element method was used to study the effect of spatial variability of different parameters on ground-surface settlement. Simulation results indicate that the spatial variability of the grouting layer has a negative impact on ground settlement. The surface settlement will be underestimated without considering the spatial characteristics of the grouting layer. Thus, a reliable prediction approach of the maximum ground settlement was proposed to control the construction quality.