Investigation of pile group response to adjacent twin tunnel excavation utilizing machine learning

For numerous tunnelling projects implemented in urban areas due to limited space, it is crucial to take into account the interaction between the foundation, ground, and tunnel. In predicting the deformation of piled foundations and the ground during twin tunnel excavation, it is essential to consider various factors. Therefore, this study derived a prediction model for pile group settlement using machine learning to analyze the importance of various factors that determine the settlement of piled foundations during twin tunnelling. Laboratory model tests and numerical analysis were utilized as input data for machine learning. The influence of each independent variable on the prediction model was analyzed. Machine learning techniques such as data preprocessing, feature engineering, and hyperparameter tuning were used to improve the performance of the prediction model. Machine learning models, employing Random Forest (RF), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM, LGB) algorithms, demonstrate enhanced performance after hyperparameter tuning, particularly with LGB achieving an R² of 0.9782 and RMSE value of 0.0314. The feature importance in the prediction models was analyzed and P_N was the highest at 65.04% for RF, 64.81% for XGB, and P_CTC (distance between the center of piles) was the highest at 31.32% for LGB. SHAP was utilized for analyzing the impact of each variable. P_N (the number of piles) consistently exerted the most influence on the prediction of pile group settlement across all models. The results from both laboratory model tests and numerical analysis revealed a reduction in ground displacement with varying pillar spacing in twin tunnels. However, upon further investigation through machine learning with additional variables, it was found that the number of piles has the most significant impact on ground displacement. Nevertheless, as this study is based on laboratory model testing, further research considering real field conditions is necessary. This study contributes to a better understanding of the complex interactions inherent in twin tunnelling projects and provides a reliable tool for predicting pile group settlement in such scenarios.