Input to the application of the convergence confinement method with time-dependent material behaviour of the support

The convergence confinement method is a two-dimensional, analytical method used in the design of subsurface structures and for the description of ground and system behaviour. Its purpose is to derive the required support measures from the combination of the following values; the ground characteristic curve; a model of the development of the radial deformations of the excavation surface in the axial direction of the tunnel; the support characteristic curve; and the installation time and location of the support measures. The convergence confinement method is usually employed in the preliminary design of underground structures. This article investigates the various methods of the convergence confinement method and includes comments on possible application scenarios. One point of focus considers the system-bolting of rock mass as a supporting as well as a reinforcement measure. Another view is taken on the time-dependent material behaviour of shotcrete and its adaptation to the convergence confinement method. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.