In order to solve the problem of asymmetric large deformation of high-stress soft rock crossing roadway under complex geological conditions in deep mines, taking the 2# total return airway of 76.2# section of Wuyang C...In order to solve the problem of asymmetric large deformation of high-stress soft rock crossing roadway under complex geological conditions in deep mines, taking the 2# total return airway of 76.2# section of Wuyang Coal Mine as the engineering background, the causes of asymmetric deformation and failure of soft rock crossing roadway in deep mines were summarized and analyzed by means of field investigation, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, and the asymmetric high-efficiency support technology with large row spacing was studied. The results show that the lithology of roadway strata is the main cause of asymmetric deformation and failure of roadway. The shape change of roadway is not the main influencing factor of asymmetric deformation of roadway, but for the control of roadway surrounding rock, the straight wall semi-circular arch roadway is better than the rectangular roadway. The field industrial test shows that after adopting the new support design scheme, the displacement of the roof and floor of the roadway is reduced by 86.39% compared with the original support design scheme, and the displacement of the two sides of the roadway is reduced by 86.05% compared with the original support design scheme, which can ensure the normal and safe production of the roadway during the service period, and provide reference for the support design of other similar geological conditions.展开更多
Large squeezing deformation of layered soft rock tunnel under high geo-stress has a significant time-dependent deformation behavior.In this paper,we studied the deformation mechanism during the construction period of ...Large squeezing deformation of layered soft rock tunnel under high geo-stress has a significant time-dependent deformation behavior.In this paper,we studied the deformation mechanism during the construction period of deep-buried softrock tunnel by means of a combination of field observations and a numerical method.First,a new classification criterion for large deformations based on the power exponent variation law between the deformation and the strength-stress ratio is proposed.Then,the initial damage tensor reflecting the bedding plane(joint)distribution and an equivalent damage evolution equation derived from the viscoplastic strain are introduced based on the geometric research method,i.e.,a new rheological damage model(RDL model)of layered soft rock is established consisting of elastic,viscous,viscoelastic,viscoplastic and plastic elements.A field test was conducted on the Maoxian tunnel in Sichuan province,southwestern China,which is in broken phyllite(layered soft rock)under high geo-stress.The tunnel has experienced large deformation due to serious squeezing pressure,thus we adopted double primary support method to overcome the supporting structure failure problems.The rheological parameters of phyllite in the Maoxian tunnel were recognized by using SA-PSO optimization,and the RDL model does a good job in describing the time-dependent deformation behavior of a layered soft-rock tunnel under high geo-stress.Thus,the RDL model was used to investigate the supporting effect and bearing mechanism of the double primary support method.Compared with the single primary support method,the surrounding rock pressure,secondary lining force,surrounding rock deformation,and the depth of the damage to the rock mass was reduced by 40%-60%after the double primary support method was used.展开更多
In deep underground mining, the surrounding rocks are very soft with high stress. Their deformation and destruction are serious, and frequent failures occur on the bolt support. The failure mechanism of bolt support i...In deep underground mining, the surrounding rocks are very soft with high stress. Their deformation and destruction are serious, and frequent failures occur on the bolt support. The failure mechanism of bolt support is proposed to solve these problems. A calculation theory is established on the bond strength of the interface between the anchoring agent and surrounding rocks. An analysis is made on the influence law of different mechanical parameters of surrounding rocks on the interfacial bond strength. Based on the research, a new high-strength bolt-grouting technology is developed and applied on site. Besides, some helpful engineering suggestions and measures are proposed. The research shows that the serious deformation and failure, and the lower bond strength are the major factors causing frequent failures of bolt support. So, the bolt could not give full play to its supporting potential. It is also shown that as the integrity, strength, interface dilatancy and stress of surrounding rocks are improved, the bond strength will increase. So, the anchoring force on surrounding rocks can be effectively improved by employing an anchoring agent with high sand content, mechanical anchoring means, or grouting reinforcement. The new technology has advantages in a high strength, imposing pre-tightening force, and giving full play to the bolt supporting potential. Hence, it can improve the control effect on surrounding rocks. All these could be helpful references for the design of bolt support in deep underground mines.展开更多
Based on deformation and failure characteristics of the second belt conveyor roadway at level II of Zhuxianzhuang coal mine, laboratory experiments, numerical calculation and field test were adopted to analyze the com...Based on deformation and failure characteristics of the second belt conveyor roadway at level II of Zhuxianzhuang coal mine, laboratory experiments, numerical calculation and field test were adopted to analyze the composition and microstructure of mudstone, the law of mudstone hydration and its strength weakening induced by water, the characteristics of surrounding rock deformation and failure under the action of confined water. Results showed that montmorillonite clay minerals accounted for as much as 76% of mudstone, with a large number of pores existing in the microstructure. Besides, as the molecular structure of montmorillonite changed, mudstone microstructure damage occurred with the macroscopic manifestation of its theological instability. Weakening degree of confined water on residual strength of mudstone was almost 50%. The instability mechanism of soft rock roadway caused by high confined water is that surrounding rock circulates the process of "fracture-seepage-mud ding-closed" twice, which weakens its strength and leads to roadway instability. A combined support technology, namely the, "high-toughness sealing layer + hollow grouting cables + full-length anchoring bolts with deep borehole" was proposed. Based on field observation, the soft rock roadway was controlled effectively, which also verified the effectiveness of new control technology for surrounding rock.展开更多
In order to ensure the safety and stability of the soft rock roadway under high stress, based on the char- acteristics of the surrounding rock deformation and failure, this paper presented the support technology“coup...In order to ensure the safety and stability of the soft rock roadway under high stress, based on the char- acteristics of the surrounding rock deformation and failure, this paper presented the support technology“coupling support of double yielding shell”, then gave the design method of inner and outer shells and analyzed the principle and requirements of the support technology by taking the -850 meast belt mad-way of Qujiang coal mine as the background. The field application results show that the support technol- ogy can control the soft rock roadway deformation better under high stress. The displacement between roadway sides was 851 mm, the displacement of the roof was 430 mm, and the displacement of the floor was 510 mm.展开更多
Aiming at soft rock ground support issues under conditions of high stress and long-term water immersion, the ground failure mechanism is revealed by taking the deep-water sumps of Jiulong Mine as the engineering backg...Aiming at soft rock ground support issues under conditions of high stress and long-term water immersion, the ground failure mechanism is revealed by taking the deep-water sumps of Jiulong Mine as the engineering background and employing field investigation, tests of rock structure, mechanical properties and mineral composition. The main factors leading to the surrounding rock failure include the high and complex stress state of the water sumps, high-clay content and water-weakened rock, and the unreasonable support design. In this paper, the broken and fractured rock mass near roadway opening is considered as ground small-structure, and deep stable rock mass as ground large-structure. A support technology focusing on cutting off the water, strengthening the small structure of the rock and transferring the large structure of the rock is proposed. The proposed support technology of interconnecting the large and small structures, based on high-strength bolts, high-stiffness shotcrete layer plugging water,strengthening the small structure with deep-hole grouting and shallow-hole grouting, highpretensioned cables tensioned twice to make the large and small structures bearing the pressure evenly,channel-steel and high-pretensioned cables are used to control floor heave. The numerical simulation and field test show that this support system can control the rock deformation of the water sumps and provide technical support to similar roadway support designs.展开更多
Through the description of the deformational features of the surrounding rockaround high stress engineering soft rock roadways,the coupling stabilization principle ofinner and outer structures in surrounding rock was ...Through the description of the deformational features of the surrounding rockaround high stress engineering soft rock roadways,the coupling stabilization principle ofinner and outer structures in surrounding rock was put forward.The supporting principlesof high stress engineering soft rock roadway (high resistance and yielding support,timelysupport,high strength and high stiffness supports) were proposed,which were applied inengineering practices,and obtained better achievements.展开更多
A rationally designed support for deep roadways excavated in broken soft rock under high stress was investigated. The deformation and failure characteristics and the mechanism of ''yielding support'' w...A rationally designed support for deep roadways excavated in broken soft rock under high stress was investigated. The deformation and failure characteristics and the mechanism of ''yielding support'' was studied for anchor bolts and cables. The rail roadway of the 2-501 working face in the Liyazhuang Mine of the Huozhou coal area located in Shanxi province was used for field trials. The geological conditions used there were used during the design phase. The new ''highly resistant, yielding'' support system has a core of high strength, yielding bolts and anchor cables. The field tests show that this support system adapts well to the deformation and pressure in the deep broken soft rock. The support system effectively controls damage to the roadway and ensures the long term stability of the wall rock and safe production in the coal mine. This provides a remarkable economic and social benefit and has broad prospects for fur- ther application.展开更多
In the process of tunnel construction,if large-deformation occurs in high geostress soft rock,it will likely cause geological disasters.This situation will not only seriously affect the smooth progress of tunnel const...In the process of tunnel construction,if large-deformation occurs in high geostress soft rock,it will likely cause geological disasters.This situation will not only seriously affect the smooth progress of tunnel construction,but also cause serious safety threat to the construction personnel.Therefore,with the continuous growth in the number and scale of tunnel construction in recent years,the construction technology for high geostress soft rock with large-deformation has begun to receive more and more attention from the society.Based on this,this paper takes an actual project as an example to analyze the specific application of the technology in order to improve the construction effect and avoid the damage caused by the large-deformation of the high geostress soft rock.展开更多
The present study is focused on the roadway support in high stress composite soft rock. This paper expounds the two main features of roadway in soft rock, i.e., great deformation of surrounding rock and remarkable rhe...The present study is focused on the roadway support in high stress composite soft rock. This paper expounds the two main features of roadway in soft rock, i.e., great deformation of surrounding rock and remarkable rheological deformation. Furthermore, on the basis of analyzing physico chemical component of surrounding rock and the situation of the damaged roadway, the method of adopting strong bolting and shotcreting mesh for the primary support, bolting and grouting for the secondary support is put forward in light of the on the spot investigation of stress tension, mechanical parameter and engineering geology. The application reveals the method facilitates the continuation of west main roadway and the restoration of shaft station and chambers. Consequently, better techno economic results have been achieved.展开更多
Analyzing the mineral composition, mechanical properties and ground stress testing in surrounding rock,the study investigated the failure mechanism of deep soft rock roadway with high stress. The boltgrouting combined...Analyzing the mineral composition, mechanical properties and ground stress testing in surrounding rock,the study investigated the failure mechanism of deep soft rock roadway with high stress. The boltgrouting combined support system was proposed to prevent such failures. By means of FLAC3D numerical simulation and similar material simulation, the feasibility of the support design and the effectiveness of support parameters were discussed. According to the monitoring the surface and deep displacement in surrounding rock as well as bolt axial load, this paper analyzed the deformation of surrounding rock and the stress condition of the support structure. The monitor results were used to optimize the proposed support scheme. The results of field monitors demonstrate that the bolt-grouting combined support technology could improve the surround rock strength and bearing capacity of support structure, which controlled the great deformation failure and rheological property effectively in deep soft rock roadway with high stress. As a result, the long term stability and safety are guaranteed.展开更多
For a soft rock tunnel under high stress in jointed and swell soft rock (HJS), two construction schemes pilot-tunneling enlarging excavation and step-by-step excavation were optimized using FLAC20, and the deformati...For a soft rock tunnel under high stress in jointed and swell soft rock (HJS), two construction schemes pilot-tunneling enlarging excavation and step-by-step excavation were optimized using FLAC20, and the deformation effects of the two construction schemes were verified by field tests. Based on engineer- ing geological investigation and mechanical analysis of large deformations, the complex deformation mechanisms of stress expansion and structural deformation of the soft rock tunnel were confirmed, and support countermeasures from the complex deformation mechanism converted to a single type were proposed, and the support parameters were optimized by field tests. These technologies were proved by engineering practice, which produced significant technical and economic benefits.展开更多
The large deformation of soft rock tunnel is one of the key problems to be overcome in the tunnel construction stage.In the present study,the deformation mechanism of a representative tunnel and some related counterme...The large deformation of soft rock tunnel is one of the key problems to be overcome in the tunnel construction stage.In the present study,the deformation mechanism of a representative tunnel and some related countermeasures are investigated using field tests and engineering geological analysis.Owing to the scarce performances of methods based on other criteria such as small pipe spacing,anchor bolt length and steel frame spacing,a new support scheme is implemented and optimized.Results show that shear failure and bedding sliding are produced under high horizontal stress conditions.The low strength of the surrounding rock results in the uneven convergence of both sides of the tunnel.With the aforementioned new support scheme,however,most of such problems can be mitigated leading to good stability properties and ensuing economic advantages.展开更多
文摘In order to solve the problem of asymmetric large deformation of high-stress soft rock crossing roadway under complex geological conditions in deep mines, taking the 2# total return airway of 76.2# section of Wuyang Coal Mine as the engineering background, the causes of asymmetric deformation and failure of soft rock crossing roadway in deep mines were summarized and analyzed by means of field investigation, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, and the asymmetric high-efficiency support technology with large row spacing was studied. The results show that the lithology of roadway strata is the main cause of asymmetric deformation and failure of roadway. The shape change of roadway is not the main influencing factor of asymmetric deformation of roadway, but for the control of roadway surrounding rock, the straight wall semi-circular arch roadway is better than the rectangular roadway. The field industrial test shows that after adopting the new support design scheme, the displacement of the roof and floor of the roadway is reduced by 86.39% compared with the original support design scheme, and the displacement of the two sides of the roadway is reduced by 86.05% compared with the original support design scheme, which can ensure the normal and safe production of the roadway during the service period, and provide reference for the support design of other similar geological conditions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52008351)the project funded by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2020TQ0250)+3 种基金the China National Railway Group Science and Technology Research Program(No.P2019G038-4)the Sichuan Science and Technology Program(No.2021YJ0539)the Open Foundation of MOE Key Laboratory of Engineering Structures of Heavy Haul Railway(Central South University)(No.2020JZZ01)the Open Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection(Chengdu University of Technology)(No.SKLGP2021K019)。
文摘Large squeezing deformation of layered soft rock tunnel under high geo-stress has a significant time-dependent deformation behavior.In this paper,we studied the deformation mechanism during the construction period of deep-buried softrock tunnel by means of a combination of field observations and a numerical method.First,a new classification criterion for large deformations based on the power exponent variation law between the deformation and the strength-stress ratio is proposed.Then,the initial damage tensor reflecting the bedding plane(joint)distribution and an equivalent damage evolution equation derived from the viscoplastic strain are introduced based on the geometric research method,i.e.,a new rheological damage model(RDL model)of layered soft rock is established consisting of elastic,viscous,viscoelastic,viscoplastic and plastic elements.A field test was conducted on the Maoxian tunnel in Sichuan province,southwestern China,which is in broken phyllite(layered soft rock)under high geo-stress.The tunnel has experienced large deformation due to serious squeezing pressure,thus we adopted double primary support method to overcome the supporting structure failure problems.The rheological parameters of phyllite in the Maoxian tunnel were recognized by using SA-PSO optimization,and the RDL model does a good job in describing the time-dependent deformation behavior of a layered soft-rock tunnel under high geo-stress.Thus,the RDL model was used to investigate the supporting effect and bearing mechanism of the double primary support method.Compared with the single primary support method,the surrounding rock pressure,secondary lining force,surrounding rock deformation,and the depth of the damage to the rock mass was reduced by 40%-60%after the double primary support method was used.
基金Projects(51304125,51379114)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(BS2013NJ004)supported by Award Fund for Outstanding Young and Middle-Aged Scientist of Shangdong Province,ChinaProject(201301004)supported by the Innovation Fund for Postdoctor of Shandong Province,China
文摘In deep underground mining, the surrounding rocks are very soft with high stress. Their deformation and destruction are serious, and frequent failures occur on the bolt support. The failure mechanism of bolt support is proposed to solve these problems. A calculation theory is established on the bond strength of the interface between the anchoring agent and surrounding rocks. An analysis is made on the influence law of different mechanical parameters of surrounding rocks on the interfacial bond strength. Based on the research, a new high-strength bolt-grouting technology is developed and applied on site. Besides, some helpful engineering suggestions and measures are proposed. The research shows that the serious deformation and failure, and the lower bond strength are the major factors causing frequent failures of bolt support. So, the bolt could not give full play to its supporting potential. It is also shown that as the integrity, strength, interface dilatancy and stress of surrounding rocks are improved, the bond strength will increase. So, the anchoring force on surrounding rocks can be effectively improved by employing an anchoring agent with high sand content, mechanical anchoring means, or grouting reinforcement. The new technology has advantages in a high strength, imposing pre-tightening force, and giving full play to the bolt supporting potential. Hence, it can improve the control effect on surrounding rocks. All these could be helpful references for the design of bolt support in deep underground mines.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20141130)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2014QNB27)
文摘Based on deformation and failure characteristics of the second belt conveyor roadway at level II of Zhuxianzhuang coal mine, laboratory experiments, numerical calculation and field test were adopted to analyze the composition and microstructure of mudstone, the law of mudstone hydration and its strength weakening induced by water, the characteristics of surrounding rock deformation and failure under the action of confined water. Results showed that montmorillonite clay minerals accounted for as much as 76% of mudstone, with a large number of pores existing in the microstructure. Besides, as the molecular structure of montmorillonite changed, mudstone microstructure damage occurred with the macroscopic manifestation of its theological instability. Weakening degree of confined water on residual strength of mudstone was almost 50%. The instability mechanism of soft rock roadway caused by high confined water is that surrounding rock circulates the process of "fracture-seepage-mud ding-closed" twice, which weakens its strength and leads to roadway instability. A combined support technology, namely the, "high-toughness sealing layer + hollow grouting cables + full-length anchoring bolts with deep borehole" was proposed. Based on field observation, the soft rock roadway was controlled effectively, which also verified the effectiveness of new control technology for surrounding rock.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation for Youth (No. 51304200)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Project (No. 2013M540477)
文摘In order to ensure the safety and stability of the soft rock roadway under high stress, based on the char- acteristics of the surrounding rock deformation and failure, this paper presented the support technology“coupling support of double yielding shell”, then gave the design method of inner and outer shells and analyzed the principle and requirements of the support technology by taking the -850 meast belt mad-way of Qujiang coal mine as the background. The field application results show that the support technol- ogy can control the soft rock roadway deformation better under high stress. The displacement between roadway sides was 851 mm, the displacement of the roof was 430 mm, and the displacement of the floor was 510 mm.
基金sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51134025 and 51274204)the New Century Excellent Talents in University(No.NCET-12-0965)
文摘Aiming at soft rock ground support issues under conditions of high stress and long-term water immersion, the ground failure mechanism is revealed by taking the deep-water sumps of Jiulong Mine as the engineering background and employing field investigation, tests of rock structure, mechanical properties and mineral composition. The main factors leading to the surrounding rock failure include the high and complex stress state of the water sumps, high-clay content and water-weakened rock, and the unreasonable support design. In this paper, the broken and fractured rock mass near roadway opening is considered as ground small-structure, and deep stable rock mass as ground large-structure. A support technology focusing on cutting off the water, strengthening the small structure of the rock and transferring the large structure of the rock is proposed. The proposed support technology of interconnecting the large and small structures, based on high-strength bolts, high-stiffness shotcrete layer plugging water,strengthening the small structure with deep-hole grouting and shallow-hole grouting, highpretensioned cables tensioned twice to make the large and small structures bearing the pressure evenly,channel-steel and high-pretensioned cables are used to control floor heave. The numerical simulation and field test show that this support system can control the rock deformation of the water sumps and provide technical support to similar roadway support designs.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Fundation of China (50674045)the National "973" Planning Project(2007CB209403)
文摘Through the description of the deformational features of the surrounding rockaround high stress engineering soft rock roadways,the coupling stabilization principle ofinner and outer structures in surrounding rock was put forward.The supporting principlesof high stress engineering soft rock roadway (high resistance and yielding support,timelysupport,high strength and high stiffness supports) were proposed,which were applied inengineering practices,and obtained better achievements.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 50874103)the National Basic Research Program of China (No. 2010CB226805)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No. BK2008135)as well as by the Open Foundation of State Key Laboratory of Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering (No. SKLGDUEK0905)
文摘A rationally designed support for deep roadways excavated in broken soft rock under high stress was investigated. The deformation and failure characteristics and the mechanism of ''yielding support'' was studied for anchor bolts and cables. The rail roadway of the 2-501 working face in the Liyazhuang Mine of the Huozhou coal area located in Shanxi province was used for field trials. The geological conditions used there were used during the design phase. The new ''highly resistant, yielding'' support system has a core of high strength, yielding bolts and anchor cables. The field tests show that this support system adapts well to the deformation and pressure in the deep broken soft rock. The support system effectively controls damage to the roadway and ensures the long term stability of the wall rock and safe production in the coal mine. This provides a remarkable economic and social benefit and has broad prospects for fur- ther application.
文摘In the process of tunnel construction,if large-deformation occurs in high geostress soft rock,it will likely cause geological disasters.This situation will not only seriously affect the smooth progress of tunnel construction,but also cause serious safety threat to the construction personnel.Therefore,with the continuous growth in the number and scale of tunnel construction in recent years,the construction technology for high geostress soft rock with large-deformation has begun to receive more and more attention from the society.Based on this,this paper takes an actual project as an example to analyze the specific application of the technology in order to improve the construction effect and avoid the damage caused by the large-deformation of the high geostress soft rock.
文摘The present study is focused on the roadway support in high stress composite soft rock. This paper expounds the two main features of roadway in soft rock, i.e., great deformation of surrounding rock and remarkable rheological deformation. Furthermore, on the basis of analyzing physico chemical component of surrounding rock and the situation of the damaged roadway, the method of adopting strong bolting and shotcreting mesh for the primary support, bolting and grouting for the secondary support is put forward in light of the on the spot investigation of stress tension, mechanical parameter and engineering geology. The application reveals the method facilitates the continuation of west main roadway and the restoration of shaft station and chambers. Consequently, better techno economic results have been achieved.
基金financial assistance provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51404262)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province of China (No. BK20140213)the Basal Research Fund of China Central College (No. 2015QNA60)
文摘Analyzing the mineral composition, mechanical properties and ground stress testing in surrounding rock,the study investigated the failure mechanism of deep soft rock roadway with high stress. The boltgrouting combined support system was proposed to prevent such failures. By means of FLAC3D numerical simulation and similar material simulation, the feasibility of the support design and the effectiveness of support parameters were discussed. According to the monitoring the surface and deep displacement in surrounding rock as well as bolt axial load, this paper analyzed the deformation of surrounding rock and the stress condition of the support structure. The monitor results were used to optimize the proposed support scheme. The results of field monitors demonstrate that the bolt-grouting combined support technology could improve the surround rock strength and bearing capacity of support structure, which controlled the great deformation failure and rheological property effectively in deep soft rock roadway with high stress. As a result, the long term stability and safety are guaranteed.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51474188, 51074140 and 51310105020)the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province (No. E2014203012)the Program for Taihang Scholars
文摘For a soft rock tunnel under high stress in jointed and swell soft rock (HJS), two construction schemes pilot-tunneling enlarging excavation and step-by-step excavation were optimized using FLAC20, and the deformation effects of the two construction schemes were verified by field tests. Based on engineer- ing geological investigation and mechanical analysis of large deformations, the complex deformation mechanisms of stress expansion and structural deformation of the soft rock tunnel were confirmed, and support countermeasures from the complex deformation mechanism converted to a single type were proposed, and the support parameters were optimized by field tests. These technologies were proved by engineering practice, which produced significant technical and economic benefits.
基金This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(51774112)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Universities of Henan Province(NSFRF200202).
文摘The large deformation of soft rock tunnel is one of the key problems to be overcome in the tunnel construction stage.In the present study,the deformation mechanism of a representative tunnel and some related countermeasures are investigated using field tests and engineering geological analysis.Owing to the scarce performances of methods based on other criteria such as small pipe spacing,anchor bolt length and steel frame spacing,a new support scheme is implemented and optimized.Results show that shear failure and bedding sliding are produced under high horizontal stress conditions.The low strength of the surrounding rock results in the uneven convergence of both sides of the tunnel.With the aforementioned new support scheme,however,most of such problems can be mitigated leading to good stability properties and ensuing economic advantages.