Modeling infiltrations in underground structures using a finite elements method : A subway tunnel application in Paris

This work is devoted to flow modeling in the urban underground. This article presents a methodology for estimating infiltration discharge entering a tunnel as a function of groundwater table. Discharge entering the tunnels by groundwater infiltration is modeled and detailed by a numerical approach based on underground flows simulation model. It is about mathematically solving a flow problem in an unsaturated porous medium. This problem until now is not yet well understood in underground flows field in subway tunnels. Finally, an application example and validation performed on one of Paris subway tunnel is presented.