Deformation control standards for shield tunneling under high-speed railway tunnels that meet driving safety and stability requirements

Abstract

The safety and stability of high-speed railway operations are highly sensitive to tunnel deformation caused by shield tunneling. This study addresses the deformation control standards for shield tunneling under high-speed railway tunnels, focusing on ensuring driving safety and stability. Tunnel deformation, including settlement, uplift, bending, and misalignment, poses significant risks to train dynamics, passenger comfort, and operational safety. A dynamic analysis of the vehicle-track interaction system is conducted, examining key indicators such as wheel-rail force, wheel load reduction rate, vertical acceleration, and Sperling index under various deformation wavelengths and amplitudes. The results reveal that shorter wavelengths (10–20 m) amplify deformation impacts, affecting stability and comfort. Longer wavelengths exhibit reduced dynamic effects but still demand careful monitoring. Proposed deformation control thresholds are wavelength-specific, ensuring safe and smooth train operation while minimizing maintenance costs. These findings provide practical guidance for designing and managing high-speed railway tunnels subjected to shield tunneling, contributing to improved safety, comfort, and infrastructure durability.