Pipe jacking has been widely used in urban underground engineering construction in recent years. Prediction of ground deformation caused by pipe jacking is particularly important for the safety of construction. With regard to the densely arranged pipes used in the pipe roof structure method, an analytical model of stratum disturbance caused by jacking of parallel rectangular pipes is proposed on the basis of Mindlin’s displacement solution and the stochastic medium theory. The influencing factors such as soil loss, additional thrust on the excavation face, friction between pipe jacking machine and soil, friction between subsequent pipes and soil, and the grouting pressure were comprehensively considered. Then, a 3D numerical simulation and a case study were conducted. The results showed consistent agreement with the analytical solution, and the proposed method can take into account the asymmetry of surface settlement curve induced by construction. A discussion of the ground deformation law shows that the proposed approach can reasonably predict the ground deformation and provide a reference for relevant pipe jacking construction.

This study investigates the ground settlement behavior induced by square pipe group jacking construction using the pipe-roof structure method. The research is based on the Yifeng Gate undercrossing project in the east extension of the Jiangnan connecting line of the Jianning West Road River Crossing Channel. Field monitoring data and numerical simulation were employed to analyze the settlement patterns. The key results are as follows: (1) In the horizontal direction, the “skip construction” sequence results in slightly less ground settlement compared to the “sequential construction” method. However, the difference is minimal. Considering construction efficiency rather than ground deformation control, the “sequential construction” method is recommended. (2) In the vertical direction, the “top-down” construction sequence generates significantly less ground settlement than the “bottom-up” approach. Provided that jacking equipment installation is feasible, the “top-down” sequence is recommended for settlement control. (3) Areas under high surcharge loads (e.g., beneath the city gate tower) and regions with densely arranged pipes are prone to larger settlements during jacking. Corresponding deformation control and compensation measures should be implemented in these zones. The findings of this study provide a valuable reference for similar pipe-jacking projects in urban sensitive areas under soft ground conditions.