A possible underground roadway for transportation facilities in Kathmandu Valley: A racking deformation of underground rectangular structures

A proposed underground roadway for Kathmandu Valley demonstrates stability under significant forces, including overlying pressure and seismic loads. The study introduces a cut-and-cover rectangular tunnel design with two cells, each 10 meters wide and 5.5 meters high, capable of withstanding live loads, uplift pressures, and lateral earth pressures. Non-linear dynamic time history analyses using data from the El Centro and Gorkha earthquakes showed maximum displacements of 23.63 mm and 16 mm respectively, confirming structural resilience. This design addresses traffic congestion and accident risks in Kathmandu Valley, particularly affecting teens and young adults, by providing a subsurface infrastructure solution that meets geometric and stability requirements.

Sahani, K., Khadka, S. S., Sahani, S. K., Pandey, B. K., & Pandey, D. (2023). A possible underground roadway for transportation facilities in Kathmandu Valley: A racking deformation of underground rectangular structures. Engineering Reports, 6(8). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/eng2.12821