LAUSR

Abstract The numerical prediction of tunnel-induced deformations has always been challenging due to the large deformation taking place around the tunnel and the smaller deformation taking place at surface. This short communication investigates the ability of the material point method (MPM) to predict tunnel-induced deformations as a function of the tunnel support pressure. This is achieved by simulating centrifuge tests for which the model parameters were estimated from the geotechnical characteristics and by comparing the numerical prediction with the experimental data. The results show that the material point method is able to predict the correct tunnel-induced deformation, including the complete ground reaction curve, providing that the correct undrained shear strength is predicted.