Efficiency of embedded barriers to mitigate tunnelling effects
Ground displacements caused by underground excavations in densely urbanised areas often requires the adoption of protective techniques to prevent damage to existing buildings. When the tunnel passes to the side of a potentially affected building, tunnelling-induced settlements can be reduced pre-installing a protective barrier between the tunnel and the building. Usually, this mitigation technique is implemented in practice based on empirical knowledge rather than as a result of a rational design process.