Subsurface geological-geotechnical modelling to sustain underground civil planning

The aim of the paper was to document the use of 3D subsurface geological-geotechnical modelling to optimise the planning and development of subsurface structures in city areas. The proposed procedure was applied to the analysis of the subsoil of the City of Turin (Northern Italy). The results of more than 300 boreholes were analysed to develop a model of the geological setting up to a depth of 60 m from the surface. The cementation variability of the alluvial sediments was also spatially described and the influence of this aspect on the soil excavation resistance was highlighted. In order to face the need of archiving, correlating and analysing a large amount of data, a 3D GIS (Geographical Information System) was used to better manage the model and to achieve a useful methodological reference that would be available for the planning and construction of future underground works. A portion of the geological model, related to the centre of the city of Turin (Italy), was chosen to set up a more detailed geotechnical model, based on laboratory tests and back-analysis procedures, as data input for some engineering applications. Two case studies were performed concerning: – analyses used to forecast the subsidence induced on the ground surface by the excavation of the metro line; – the influence of the works of the metro line on the new Underground Railway Link (interference between two important underground works). A comparison between the forecasts of the degree of cementation, supplied by the 3D model along a metro tunnel tract, and the excavation specific energy effectively absorbed by the head of the boring machine is reported to testify the reliability of the model of the subsoil of Turin centre. This comparison shows the good reliability of the model and its potential to choose of the optimal boring machines for the future development of the Underground Metro System in Turin.