ABSTRACT

This presentation showcases a numerical simulation approach for real-world tunnel leakage problems, developed through Abaqus user-subroutine programming to capture the hydro-mechanical coupling at segmental joints caused by gasket ageing and joint deformation. The method simulates long-term leakage scenarios, explicitly modelling soil–tunnel interactions. A deep sewage tunnel in Shanghai serves as a case study, illustrating how localised leakage affects the seepage field, hydraulic interactions, and structural responses. The study highlights the critical role of joint-level hydro-mechanical coupling in assessing long-term tunnel safety and performance, offering insights for maintenance and design strategies.

SPEAKER

Mr. Jiachong Xie is a PhD candidate of Construction Engineering at UPC-BarcelonaTech, jointly enrolled with Tongji University in Geotechnical Engineering, supervised by Dr. Climent Molins (UPC) and Dr. Xin Huang (Tongji). His research focuses on the tunnel leakage problem and induced soil-tunnel interaction. He received his MSc degree from Zhejiang University (2021) and his Bachelor degree from Beijing Jiaotong University (2018). He has published several papers in journals including Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Underground Space, and Construction and Building Materials, and serves as a reviewer for multiple international journals.