Tunnelling-induced displacements and damage on framed structures. Comparison between numerical models

The paper focuses on the response of framed structures to tunnel excavation in sand. Standard 3D Finite Element analyses, in which the structural elements are explicitly detailed, as well as simplified equivalent beam models were adopted to simulate the influence of the frame and that of the masonry infills. Both approaches well captured the main soil-structure interaction mechanisms. The presence of stiff masonry infills was found to reduce the angular distortions of the frame bays and, as such, to reduce the tunnelling induced damage. For the first time, insights into the efficiency of two-stage models implementing equivalent Timoshenko beams for framed buildings are given.