Energy variational solution for settlement of buried pipeline induced by tunneling

Ground movement induced by tunneling may cause excessive deformation or breakage accident of buried pipelines. Therefore, these problems arouse great concerns of engineers. Based on assumed distribution form of the vertical displacement of buried pipeline, the governing variational equations are established based on the energy method. The energy variational solutions of the vertical displacement of buried pipeline causes by tunneling are obtained accordingly. Using the principle of superposition, further results are extended to solve the twin-track tunnels. The validation of the proposed method is demonstrated through comparison with the centrifuge tests and cases studies. Meanwhile, factors that affect the vertical displacement of buried pipeline are also analyzed. The conclusions can be applied to practical engineering.