Tunnels in DeepEX: Design Segmental Lining Tunnels with Confidence
- Dec 26, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 24
TBM Tunnels • Segmental Linings • Gaskets • Bolts • Fire Design • Finite Element & Soil Spring Analysis
Designing modern TBM tunnels requires much more than checking the structural capacity of a concrete lining. Engineers must evaluate soil-structure interaction, construction stages, segment joints, bolts, gaskets, fire resistance, train loading, and the effects of TBM excavation—all while ensuring the tunnel performs safely throughout its service life.
DeepEX brings these analyses together within a single integrated environment, helping engineers reduce design time while improving consistency between geotechnical and structural calculations.
Whether performing preliminary studies or detailed tunnel design, DeepEX provides the tools needed to efficiently analyze segmental lining tunnels using either Finite Element Analysis (FEM) or conventional soil spring methods.
Comprehensive Tunnel Design in One Software
DeepEX combines geotechnical and structural tunnel analyses within a single workflow, including:
TBM excavation checks
Segmental lining design
Segment joint evaluation
Bolt design
Gasket seal verification
Bursting checks
Reinforcement optimization
Fire resistance evaluation (Eurocode 2)
Train loading
Automatic calculation reports
Instead of relying on multiple software packages, engineers can perform the entire tunnel lining design process within one integrated project environment.
DeepEX – The only software that includes all segmental lining and TBM checks in a single software suite!
Tunnel Design Workflow
Step 1: Define Ground Conditions
Every successful tunnel project begins with an accurate understanding of the subsurface conditions.
DeepEX allows engineers to define project stratigraphy using borehole information, create soil profiles, assign material properties, and select the constitutive soil models required for the analysis.
The software also includes tools for estimating soil properties from available site investigation data, helping engineers develop representative ground models efficiently.
Step 2: Create the Tunnel Model
Using the Tunnel Wizard, engineers can rapidly define the tunnel geometry and construction parameters.
Project settings include:
Tunnel position
Segmental lining configuration
Concrete lining properties
Construction stages
Soil loss assumptions
Fire resistance evaluation
The wizard automatically prepares the analysis model, significantly reducing setup time.
Step 3: Define the TBM
Tunnel Boring Machines influence ground movements and lining loads throughout construction.
DeepEX allows users to define project-specific TBM characteristics, create custom TBM libraries, and assign machines directly to tunnel models.
This enables engineers to evaluate the interaction between excavation and lining performance under realistic construction conditions.
Step 4: Configure Tunnel Design Parameters
Additional project settings allow engineers to define important tunnel design parameters such as:
Segment joint offsets
Crack width calculations
Serviceability requirements
Project-specific design assumptions
These parameters become part of the integrated tunnel analysis.
Step 5: Define Gasket Systems
Waterproofing performance is a critical aspect of segmental tunnel design.
DeepEX allows engineers to create gasket profiles or select from an integrated database of commonly used gasket systems.
This simplifies the evaluation of gasket performance under different loading conditions.
Step 6: Define Ring Arrangements, Bolts, and Connections
Engineers can define the structural details of each segmental ring, including:
Ring arrangements
Bolt layouts
Bolt materials
Bolt sizes
Number of bolts
Gasket profiles
These parameters are incorporated directly into the tunnel lining analysis.
Tunnel Analysis Results
Once the analysis is complete, DeepEX provides a comprehensive set of structural and geotechnical results that help engineers evaluate tunnel performance throughout construction.
Available results include:
Settlement profiles
Tunnel lining moments
Shear forces
Axial forces
Structural capacities
Construction stage results
Total displacements
Reinforcement requirements
Segment joint stresses
Joint rotations
Bolt forces
Gasket performance
Bursting checks
Fire resistance evaluation
Graphical plots and detailed tables allow engineers to quickly identify critical conditions and optimize the tunnel lining design.
Settlements for soil loss 0.5% – Stage 1
Finite Element Analysis
Settlements for soil loss 0.5% – Stage 1
Conventional Analysis
Tunnel moment & moment capacity
Tunnel construction - Stage 2 (FEM Analysis)
Tunnel moment & moment capacity
Tunnel Construction - Stage 2 (Spring Analysis)
Total displacement arrows & values
Stage 2
Optimize the TBM lining
Select the suggested reinforcement
Segmental joint stresses & joint rotation
Stage 3
Tunnel moment capacity after 240 min fire
(Capacity is reduced because of fire – EC2)
Results table summary for segmental joints, bursting, & other TBM checks
Summary table for gasket analysis results
Summary table for bolt analysis results
Compare Analysis Methods
DeepEX supports both Finite Element Analysis and conventional soil spring analysis.
This allows engineers to compare results using different analysis approaches while maintaining a consistent project model.
The software provides detailed comparisons of:
Surface settlements
Tunnel deformations
Internal forces
Structural capacities
Construction-stage behavior
This flexibility allows engineers to select the analysis method most appropriate for the project.
Optimize Tunnel Lining Designs
DeepEX helps engineers move beyond analysis by providing tools for design optimization.
The software can assist in selecting reinforcement layouts, evaluating lining performance, and identifying opportunities to improve structural efficiency while maintaining compliance with design requirements.
Why Engineers Use DeepEX for Tunnel Design
DeepEX combines geotechnical analysis, structural tunnel design, and TBM-specific evaluations within a single software environment.
With DeepEX, engineers can:
✔ Design segmental lining tunnels using FEM or soil spring analysis
✔ Evaluate TBM construction effects
✔ Perform bolt, gasket, and joint checks
✔ Analyze construction stages and surface settlements
✔ Optimize reinforcement layouts
✔ Assess fire resistance according to Eurocode 2
✔ Generate comprehensive calculation reports
Whether designing transportation tunnels, utility tunnels, or metro systems, DeepEX provides an integrated workflow that helps engineers reduce modeling effort, improve design quality, and deliver projects more efficiently.
Availability
Segmental tunnel lining design, TBM analysis, Finite Element Analysis, and soil spring analysis capabilities are included in the DeepEX 2D FEM analysis module (optional in the DeepEX 2D package, included in the DeepEX 3D package).
Video Example: A TBM Tunnel Simulated and Analyzed with DeepEX Software:
