Modelling tunnelling-induced damage in framed structures with masonry infill walls

Masonry infill walls contribute to the stiffness and weight of framed structures, and they may influence soil-structure interaction mechanisms induced by nearby tunnel construction. To understand this interaction and its potential influence on building damage, coupled numerical analyses are conducted in this study. These analyses simultaneously consider the tunnel excavation, as well as soil and structure induced response. Previously neglected aspects are addressed, such as damage initiation in the infill walls (by considering an elasto-plastic formulation for the masonry), possible infill wall separation from the frame, and embedded strip and raft foundation schemes. Numerical modelling results are shown in terms of displacements, deformation parameters and corresponding damage category to quantify the influence of these aspects on the structural response.