Quasi-rectangular shield tunneling is a cutting-edge trenchless method for constructing metro tunnels with double tubes, owing to its advantages in saving underground space and reducing ground disturbance. However, the conventional quasi-rectangular shield tunneling method is not applicable when constructing a tunnel without a center pillar, such as a scissor crossover section of a metro line. Therefore, the 0−θ tunneling method, which combines the quasi-rectangular shield and pipe jacking methods, was investigated in this study to solve the aforementioned construction challenges. This study presents a case study of the Sijiqing Station of the Hangzhou Metro Line 9 in China, in which the 0−θ method was first proposed and applied. Key techniques such as switching between two types of tunneling modes and the tunneling process control in complex construction environments were investigated. The results demonstrated that the 0−θ method can address the technical challenges presented by the post-transition line with a high curvature and a scissors crossover line. In addition, the adoption of the 0−θ method ensured that the transformation between shield tunneling and pipe jacking was safe and efficient. The ground settlement monitoring results demonstrated that the disturbance to the surrounding environment can be limited to a safe level. This case study contributes to the construction technology for a metro tunnel containing both post-transition lines with a small turning radius and a scissors crossover line. A practical construction experience and theoretical guidance were provided in this study, which are of significance for both the industry and academia.

Often overlooked, vibration transmission through the entire body of an animal is an important factor in understanding vibration sensing in animals. To investigate the role of dynamic properties and vibration transmission through the body, we used a modal test and lumped parameter modelling for a spider. The modal test used laser vibrometry data on a tarantula, and revealed five modes of the spider in the frequency range of 20-200 Hz. Our developed and calibrated model took into account the bounce, pitch and roll of the spider body and bounce of all the eight legs. We then performed a parametric study using this calibrated model, varying factors such as mass, inertia, leg stiffness, damping, angle and span to study what effect they had on vibration transmission. The results support that some biomechanical parameters can act as physical constraints on vibration sensing. But also, that the spider may actively control some biomechanical parameters to change the signal intensity it can sense. Furthermore, our analysis shows that the parameter changes in front and back legs have a greater influence on whole system dynamics, so may be of particular importance for active control mechanisms to facilitate biological sensing functions.