Centrifuge experiments on stability of tunnel face in sandy ground

This paper presents the results of centrifuge experiments on the stability of tunnel face in sandy ground. The model consisted of two main parts, an aluminium tube, representing the tunnel lining, and a thin pressurised rubber bag placed inside the aluminium tube to support the soil at the tunnel face. During the experiment, the pressure inside the rubber bag was reduced until the collapse of the face occurred. The main purpose of the experiment was to determine the minimum supporting pressure to the tunnel face and visual observation of the failure mode and the extent of the failed zone.