The role of a thin shotcrete lining is not to try and support the original ground pressures

The role of the shotcrete is to stabilise the deformations required to mobilise the grounds inherent strength

Reasons for Use of Shotcrete

To seal the rock in slaking ground
prevents raveling

To control water flow

redirect drain dam

Reasons for Use of Shotcrete

Minimise rock displacement in loosening ground
Sound

Strengthen rock by filling fissures Weak Fascilitate local load redistribution from weaker Sound to stronger rock Act as membrane in bending or tension

Surface finish

Radiographs showing the fibre distribution from three different directions with respect to shotcrete direction.
Y

Sh

et r c ot

io t c e di r

Compression Zone

Shear Block failure Debonding

Flexure between bolts

Shear

Pressure causes flexure

Slip circle

Primary Lining
Mobilise the Ground
Secure full continuous contact with moving ground
rock bolts act as lining supports a thin shotcrete provides an immediate semi-stiff lining & spans the supports permit/measure ground deformation form depends on tunnel method (ie stand up time)

Flexibility
Allow for ground variations & uncertainties
water, geo-technical, human over-specification reduces responsiveness utilise experience from other projects

Soft And/or Fractured Rock

Ground movement manifests as an applied pressure on the shotcrete lining

Soft And/or Fractured Rock

p3 p1

p2

The rock deforms plastically(flows) at the tunnel perimeter applying pressure to the shotcrete lining

Soft And/or Fractured Rock

Shear Arching and flexing

Flexure

Soft And/or Fractured Rock

Face

Support Pressure p

Rock mass Displacement

Support System Yield

Stiff Support

Equilibrium

Soft Support

dr

ds

Inward Radial Displacement

Shotcrete Plate Tests

140 Load (kN)
Fibre type, max load, energy absorbed.

2mm deflection with CHO60/30

100
10mm deflection with mesh

60

20

EE18

10 Deflection (mm)

15

20

Why Reinforce Shotcrete ?

1. Sustain load carrying capability after cracking. 2. Increase the deflection capacity of the shotcrete. The role of the shotcrete is to stabilise the deformations required to mobilise the grounds inherent strength