ABSTRACT
By means of a 3D Finite element model it has been determined whether the “Groene Hart” Tunnel will suffer from temporary soil weakening during a train passage or long term settlements due to cyclic loading. During a train passage the predicted deflection of the tunnel is very small, and temporary weakening only has a minor effect on the displacements. Long term settlements due to cyclic loading can not be expected either, because the shear strain and the stress ripple during a train passage are too small.
