The buried arch structural system for underground structures

In many cases, underground structures are built using conventional above-grade structural systems to carry gravity load. This paper proposes the use of underground arches, termed "buried arches", to support gravity loads, wherein the horizontal thrust of the arch is equilibrated by soil pressure. Because the horizontal soil pressure increases with depth, the depth of the arch may be reduced as the depth below grade increases. Critical to the success of such an approach is a proper accounting of creep and shrinkage for arches made of reinforced concrete. This paper addresses the influence of equilibrium, creep, and shrinkage as they affect the design of the arch from a theoretical perspective. Several examples illustrate the use of buried arches for the design of underground parking structures.