Roof collapse mechanism of weak surrounding rock for deep-buried tunnels under high geostress conditions

High geostress,a typical attribute of tunnels located at significant depths,is crucial in causing stress-induced failure and influencing the stability of the tunnel crown.This study developed an analytical method for the failure mechanism that occurs in deep-buried tunnel roofs,taking into account the influence of geostress.The limit analysis theory was utilized for deriving analytical solutions about the geometry of the collapsing surface and the limit supporting pressure.The collapsing surface obtained by the analytical solution was validated by the findings of the physical model test,which shows a high level of agreement with the actual one.An extensive investigation was done to explore the effects of the lateral pressure coefficients,the tunnel buried depth,the geological conditions of the surrounding rock,the long-short axis ratio,and the size of the tunnel profile.The findings indicate that an increase in the lateral pressure coefficient from 0.5 to 1.5 results in a reduction in the height of the collapsing zone by 2.08 m and the width of the collapsing zone by 1.15 m,while simultaneously increases the limit supporting pressure by 18.9%.The proposed upper bound method accurately determines the limit supporting pressure and the geometry of the collapsing surface,which aligns well with the results acquired through numerical modelling and on-site monitoring in actual engineering applications.The proposed analytical method can serve as a reference for similar crown failure issues of deep-buried tunnels.

Blasting induced dynamic stress concentration and failure characteristics of deep-buried rock tunnel

In this study,the dynamic stress concentration factors(DSCF)around a straight-wall arch tunnel(SWAT)were solved analytically utilizing the complex variable function methods and Duhamel’s integral.The effects of wavelength,incident angle,and blasting rising time on the DSCF distribution were analyzed.Theoretical results pointed out dynamic disturbances resulting in compressive stress concentration in the vertical direction and tensile stress in the incident direction.As the wavelength and rising time increased,there was a tendency for the amplitude of stress concentration to initially rise and then converge.Moreover,a series of 3D FEM models were established to evaluate the effect of different initial stress states on the dynamic failure of the tunnel surrounding rock.The results indicated that the failure of the surrounding rock was significantly influenced by the direction of the static maximum principal stress and the direction of the dynamic disturbance.Under the coupling of static and blasting loading,damage around the tunnel was more prone to occur in the dynamic and static stress concentration coincidence zone.Finally,the damage modes of rock tunnel under static stress and blasting disturbance from different directions were summarized and a proposed support system was presented.The results reveal the mechanisms of deep-buried rock tunnel destruction and dynamically triggered rockburst.

Fisher discriminant analysis model and its application for prediction of classification of rockburst in deep-buried long tunnel

A Fisher discriminant analysis （FDA） model for the prediction of classification of rockburst in deep-buried long tunnel was established based on the Fisher discriminant theory and the actual characteristics of the project. First, the major factors of rockburst, such as the maximum tangential stress of the cavern wall σθ, uniaxial compressive strength σc, uniaxial tensile strength or, and the elastic energy index of rock Wet, were taken into account in the analysis. Three factors, Stress coefficient σθ/σc, rock brittleness coefficient σc/σt, and elastic energy index Wet, were defined as the criterion indices for rockburst prediction in the proposed model. After training and testing of 12 sets of measured data, the discriminant functions of FDA were solved, and the ratio of misdiscrimina- tion is zero. Moreover, the proposed model was used to predict rockbursts of Qinling tunnel along Xi＇an-Ankang railway. The results show that three forecast results are identical with the actual situation. Therefore, the prediction accuracy of the FDA model is acceptable.

Analytical solution for steady seepage into a circular deep-buried mountain tunnel with grouted zone in anisotropic strata

Due to the existence of a large number of discontinuous fractures and interfaces in tunnel surrounding rocks,the groundwater inflow into tunnel generally presents significant anisotropy.Therefore,it is of great significance to consider the anisotropic permeability when dealing with water gushing-induced engineering accidents in water-rich mountain tunnels with large burial depth.In this study,based on the complex variable method and the seepage flow theory,a theoretical model of water inflow into a deep-buried circular tunnel in a fully saturated,anisotropic and semi-infinite aquifer is developed.The influence of grouted zone,initial support and secondary lining is fully considered.By comparison to the existing analytical methods and numerical results,the reliability of this proposed analytical solution is well validated.It is indicated from the parametric study that the groundwater inflow into tunnel presents an upward trend with an increasing value of the strata permeability in the vertical direction.Moreover,the water inflow rate and the total water head decrease with the growth of the thickness of grouting circle.It is suggested that reasonable grouting thickness and permeability should be controlled to enhance the grouting effect.This study provides a practical method for estimating the water inflow into a deep-buried,grouted and lined mountain tunnel considering the anisotropic strata permeability.

Experimental study on similarity materials for soft rock of deep-buried tunnels

When every parameter is properly scaled down in accordance with some similarity coefficients, it is possible to study the physical-mechanical properties of rock mass with a scale model. To identify the key mechanisms of soft rock in deep buried tunnels, the proper sand, binder and ratio were selected. During the process, the model manufacture technology was introduced and typical tests were done and the results were presented. The physical and meehanieal properties effects caused by each composition were discussed. It is shown that the physical and mechanical properties of chosen ratio material such as uniaxial compressive strength tests, elasticity modulus, tensile strength, internal frictional angle, and Poisson＇s ratio meet with similarity relationship well. The physical and mechanical properties of deep soft rock are simulated successfully.

Geostress Measurement for Deep-Buried Long Tunnel through Niba Mountain

In the geostress measurement for Niba Mountain on Ya＇an-Lugu Expressway, results of Kaiser effect tests combined with focal mechanism solution were compared with those obtained by hydraulic fracturing method, both of which are basically coincident. It is shown that the principal stress increases with burial depth ; the maximum principal stress is about 45 MPa, which is larger near fault zones because of stress concentration, and its direction ranges from N20°W to N75°W.

Research on in situ stress inversion of deep-buried tunnel based on pressure/tension axis mechanism and geological structure

The investigation of the in situ stress distribution has always been a key condition for engineering design of deep tunnels and analysis of surrounding rock stability.In this paper,a comprehensive judgment method coupled with pressure/tension(P/T)axis mechanism and geological structure is proposed to invert the in situ stress in the Duoxiongla tunnel in Tibet.In the process of TBM tunnel excavation,3887 groups of microseismic events were collected by means of microseismic monitoring technology.By studying the temporal and spatial distribution of 3887 groups of microseismic events,42 groups of microseismic data were selected for in situ stress inversion.Then the focal mechanisms of 42 groups of microseisms were inverted.Combined with the analysis of the previous geological survey,the inversion results of the in situ stress were analyzed.According to the focal mechanism of the tunnel area,the linear in situ stress inversion method was used to invert the in situ stress in the source area.Finally,according to the PTGS(pressure/tension axis mechanism and geological structure)comprehensive judgment method proposed in this paper,the in situ stress of the tunnel microseismic region was determined.The results show that there are mainly three groups of fissures and joint surfaces in the tunnel area,and the in situ stress is dominated by the horizontrun tectonic stress;the main driving force of the rupture surface in the excavation process of Duoxiongla tunnel is the horizontal tectonic stress;the distribution of the maximum and minimum principal stress obtained by the inversion is consistent with the distribution of the P/T axis;combined with the linear in situ stress inversion method and the comprehensive judgment of PTGS,the azimuth and dip angles of the three principal stresses are finally determined as N90.71°E,4.06°,N5.35°W,3.06°,and N8.10W,85.32°,respectively.The study verifies the feasibility of microseismic inversion of in situ stress.

Large-scale shaking table test on unlined tunnel in fault zone under threedimensional earthquake

A fault is a geological structure characterized by significant displacement of rock masses along a fault plane within the Earth's crust.The Yunnan Tabaiyi Tunnel intersects multiple fault zones,making tunnel construction in fault-prone areas particularly vulnerable to the effects of fault activity due to the complexities of the surrounding geological environment.To investigate the dynamic response characteristics of tunnel structures under varying surrounding rock conditions,a three-dimensional large-scale shaking table physical model test was conducted.This study also aimed to explore the damage mechanisms associated with the Tabaiyi Tunnel under seismic loading.The results demonstrate that poor quality surrounding rock enhances the seismic response of the tunnel.This effect is primarily attributed to the distribution characteristics of acceleration,dynamic strain,and dynamic soil pressure.A comparison between unidirectional and multi-directional(including vertical)seismic motions reveals that vertical seismic motion has a more significant impact on specific tunnel locations.Specifically,the maximum tensile stress is observed at the arch shoulder,with values ranging from 60 to 100 k Pa.Moreover,NPR(Non-Prestressed Reinforced)anchor cables exhibit a substantial constant resistance effect under low-amplitude seismic waves.However,when the input earthquake amplitude reaches 0.8g,local sliding occurs at the arch shoulder region of the NPR anchor cable.These findings underscore the importance of focusing on seismic mitigation measures in fault zones and reinforcing critical areas,such as the arch shoulders,in practical engineering applications.

Aluminum foam as buffer layer used in soft rock tunnel with large deformation

The squeezing deformation of surrounding rock is an important factor restricting the safe construction and long-term operation of tunnels when a tunnel passes through soft strata with high ground stress.Under such soft rock geological conditions,the large deformation of the surrounding rock can easily lead to the failure of supporting structures,including shotcrete cracks,spalling,and steel arch distortion.To improve the lining support performance during the large deformation of squeezed surrounding rock,this work selects aluminum foam with densities of 0.25 g/cm3,0.42 g/cm3 and 0.61 g/cm3 as the buffer layer material and carries out uniaxial confined compression tests.Through the evaluation and analysis of energy absorption and the comparison of the yield pressure of aluminum foam with those of other cushioning materials and yield pressure support systems,the strength,deformation and energy absorption of aluminum foam with a density of 0.25 g/cm3 meet the yield pressure performance requirements.The numerical model of the buffer layer yielding support system is then established via the finite element analysis software ABAQUS,and the influence of the buffer layer setting on the lining support is analyzed.Compared with the conventional support scheme,the addition of an aluminum foam buffer layer can reduce the stress and deformation of the primary support and secondary lining.The maximum and minimum principal stresses of the primary support are reduced by 13%and 15%,respectively.The maximum and minimum principal stresses of the secondary lining are reduced by 15%and 12%,respectively,and the displacement deformation of the secondary lining position is reduced by 15%.In summary,the application of aluminum foam buffer layer can reduce the stress and deformation of the primary support and secondary lining,improve the stress safety of the support and reduce the deformation of the support.

Experimental and numerical simulation of the attenuation effect of blast shock waves in tunnels at different altitudes

Traffic engineering such as tunnels in various altitudinal gradient zone are at risk of accidental explosion,which can damage personnel and equipment.Accurate prediction of the distribution pattern of explosive loads and shock wave propagation process in semi-enclosed structures at various altitude environment is key research focus in the fields of explosion shock and fluid dynamics.The effect of altitude on the propagation of shock waves in tunnels was investigated by conducting explosion test and numerical simulation.Based on the experimental and numerical simulation results,a prediction model for the attenuation of the peak overpressure of tunnel shock waves at different altitudes was established.The results showed that the peak overpressure decreased at the same measurement points in the tunnel entrance under the high altitude condition.In contrast,an increase in altitude accelerated the propagation speed of the shock wave in the tunnel.The average error between the peak shock wave overpressure obtained using the overpressure prediction formula and the measured test data was less than15%,the average error between the propagation velocity of shock waves predicted values and the test data is less than 10%.The method can effectively predict the overpressure attenuation of blast wave in tunnel at various altitudes.

Characterizing large deformation of soft rock tunnel using microseismic monitoring and numerical simulation

Surrounding rock deterioration and large deformation have always been a significant difficulty in designing and constructing tunnels in soft rock.The key lies in real-time perception and quantitative assessment of the damaged area around the tunnel.An in situ microseismic(MS)monitoring system is established in the plateau soft tock tunnel.This technique facilitates spatiotemporal monitoring of the rock mass's fracturing expansion and squeezing deformation,which agree well with field convergence deformation results.The formation mechanisms of progressive failure evolution of soft rock tunnels were discussed and analyzed with MS data and numerical results.The results demonstrate that:(1)Localized stress concentration and layered rock result in significant asymmetry in micro-fractures propagation in the tunnel radial section.As excavation continues,the fracture extension area extends into the deep surrounding rockmass on the east side affected by the weak bedding;(2)Tunnel excavation and long-term deformation can induce tensile shear action on the rock mass,vertical tension fractures(account for 45%)exist in deep rockmass,which play a crucial role in controlling the macroscopic failure of surrounding rock;and(3)Based on the radiated MS energy,a three-dimensional model was created to visualize the damage zone of the tunnel surrounding rock.The model depicted varying degrees of damage,and three high damage zones were identified.Generally,the depth of high damage zone ranged from 4 m to 12 m.This study may be a valuable reference for the warning and controlling of large deformations in similar projects.

An extended discontinuous deformation analysis for simulation of grouting reinforcement in a water-rich fractured rock tunnel

Grouting has been the most effective approach to mitigate water inrush disasters in underground engineering due to its ability to plug groundwater and enhance rock strength.Nevertheless,there is a lack of potent numerical tools for assessing the grouting effectiveness in water-rich fractured strata.In this study,the hydro-mechanical coupled discontinuous deformation analysis(HM-DDA)is inaugurally extended to simulate the grouting process in a water-rich discrete fracture network(DFN),including the slurry migration,fracture dilation,water plugging in a seepage field,and joint reinforcement after coagulation.To validate the capabilities of the developed method,several numerical examples are conducted incorporating the Newtonian fluid and Bingham slurry.The simulation results closely align with the analytical solutions.Additionally,a set of compression tests is conducted on the fresh and grouted rock specimens to verify the reinforcement method and calibrate the rational properties of reinforced joints.An engineering-scale model based on a real water inrush case of the Yonglian tunnel in a water-rich fractured zone has been established.The model demonstrates the effectiveness of grouting reinforcement in mitigating water inrush disaster.The results indicate that increased grouting pressure greatly affects the regulation of water outflow from the tunnel face and the prevention of rock detachment face after excavation.

Comparison of vibrations induced by excavation of deep-buried cavern and open pit with method of bench blasting

The measured data of vibrations induced by excavation of deep-buried cavern and open pit with method of bench blasting were analyzed by Fourier Transform and Wavelet Transform,and the characteristics of vibrations induced under these two circumstances were studied.It is concluded that with the similar rock condition and drilling-blasting parameters,vibration induced by bench blasting in deep-buried cavern has a higher main frequency and more scattered energy distribution than that in open pit.The vibration induced by bench blasting in open pit is mainly originated from the blast load,while the vibration induced by bench blasting in deep-buried cavern is the superposition of vibrations induced by blast load and transient release of in-situ stress.The vibration induced by transient release of in-situ stress increases with the stress level.

Mechanical Properties of Deep-buried Marble Material Under Loading and Unloading Tests

The mechanical properties are essentially different when rock material is subjected to loading or unloading conditions. In this study, loading and unloading tests with various confining pressures are conducted to investigate the mechanical properties of marble material samples taken from the deep diversion tunnels of Jinping II Hydropower Station. The stress-strain relationship, failure characteristics and strength criterion are compared and analyzed based on the experiment results. The results show： in the loading and unloading test, peak strength, lateral strain, axial strain and plastic deformation increase significantly as the confining pressure increases. Lateral strain increased significantly and obvious lateral dilatancy can be observed to the change of confining pressure; The fracture mode is mainly the single shear fracture for the triaxial compression test and post-peak test, angle between the failure surface and the ends of the rock material becomes smaller as the confining pressure increases. Hock-Brown strength criterion reflects the strength characteristics of marble material under two different unloading conditions, and has some supplementary effects to the rock material of mechanical field.

Dissolution mechanism of a deep-buried sandstone reservoir in a deep water area:A case study from Baiyun Sag,Zhujiang River(Pearl River)Mouth Basin

Dissolution mechanism and favorable reservoir distribution prediction are the key problems restricting oil and gas exploration in deep-buried layers.In this paper,the Enping Formation and Zhuhai Formation in Baiyun Sag of South China Sea was taken as a target.Based on the thin section,scanning electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,porosity/permeability measurement,and mercury injection,influencing factors of dissolution were examined,and a dissolution model was established.Further,high-quality reservoirs were predicted temporally and spatially.The results show that dissolved pores constituted the main space of the Paleogene sandstone reservoir.Dissolution primarily occurred in the coarse-and medium-grained sandstones in the subaerial and subaqueous distributary channels,while dissolution was limited in fine-grained sandstones and inequigranular sandstones.The main dissolved minerals were feldspar,tuffaceous matrix,and diagenetic cement.Kaolinization of feldspar and illitization of kaolinite are the main dissolution pathways,but they occur at various depths and temperatures with different geothermal gradients.Dissolution is controlled by four factors,in terms of depositional facies,source rock evolution,overpressure,and fault activities,which co-acted at the period of 23.8–13.8 Ma,and resulted into strong dissolution.Additionally,based on these factors,high-quality reservoirs of the Enping and Zhuhai formations are predicted in the northern slope,southwestern step zone,and Liuhua uplift in the Baiyun Sag.

Analysis of the interaction between bolt-reinforced rock and surface support in tunnels based on convergence-confinement method

To investigate the interaction of the bolt-reinforced rock and the surface support,an analytical model of the convergence-confinement type is proposed,considering the sequential installation of the fully grouted rockbolts and the surface support.The rock mass is assumed to be elastic-brittle-plastic material,obeying the linear Mohr-Coulomb criterion or the non-linear Hoek-Brown criterion.According to the strain states of the tunnel wall at bolt and surface support installation and the relative magnitude between the bolt length and the plastic depth during the whole process,six cases are categorized upon solving the problem.Each case is divided into three stages due to the different effects of the active rockbolts and the passive surface support.The fictitious pressure is introduced to quantify the threedimensional(3D)effect of the tunnel face,and thus,the actual physical location along the tunnel axis of the analytical section can be considered.By using the bolt-rock strain compatibility and the rocksurface support displacement compatibility conditions,the solutions of longitudinal tunnel displacement and the reaction pressure of surface support along the tunnel axis are obtained.The proposed analytical solutions are validated by a series of 3D numerical simulations.Extensive parametric studies are conducted to examine the effect of the typical parameters of rockbolts and surface support on the tunnel displacement and the reaction pressure of the surface support under different rock conditions.The results show that the rockbolts are more effective in controlling the tunnel displacement than the surface support,which should be installed as soon as possible with a suitable length.For tunnels excavated in weak rocks or with restricted displacement control requirements,the surface support should also be installed or closed timely with a certain stiffness.The proposed method provides a convenient alternative approach for the optimization of rockbolts and surface support at the preliminary stage of tunnel design.

Ground settlement and tunnel response due to twin-curved shield tunnelling in soft ground with small clear distance

Twin curved tunnels are often encountered in shield tunnelling,where significant complexities in densely exploited underground space are observed.In this study,the ground settlement and tunnel deformation due to twin-curved shield tunnelling in soft ground were investigated using numerical simulation and field monitoring.Different curvature radii of twin curved tunnels and subsequent effects of tunnel construction were considered to reveal the tunnelling effect on ground surface settlement and tunnel deformation.The results show that the settlement trough yields one offset towards inside of curved shield tunnelling.The location of settlement trough and maximum settlement were affected by curvature radius but except for the shape and width of settlement trough.Adjacent parallel twin-curved shield tunnelling could increase the offset of existing settlement trough and maximum settlement.Then,an empirical prediction of surface settlement trough due to twin-curved shield tunnelling with same tunnel diameters in soft clay was proposed,which was applicable to curvature radius less than 800 m.Finally,a minimum radius of 600 m of curvature tunnel was proposed in terms of allowable convergence deformation of tunnel.The result could provide guidance on safety evaluation for twin curved shield tunnelling construction.

Prediction of subsurface settlement induced by shield tunnelling in sandy cobble stratum

This study focuses on the analytical prediction of subsurface settlement induced by shield tunnelling in sandy cobble stratum considering the volumetric deformation modes of the soil above the tunnel crown.A series of numerical analyses is performed to examine the effects of cover depth ratio(C/D),tunnel volume loss rate(h t)and volumetric block proportion(VBP)on the characteristics of subsurface settle-ment trough and soil volume loss.Considering the ground loss variation with depth,three modes are deduced from the volumetric deformation responses of the soil above the tunnel crown.Then,analytical solutions to predict subsurface settlement for each mode are presented using stochastic medium theory.The influences of C/D,h t and VBP on the key parameters(i.e.B and N)in the analytical expressions are discussed to determine the fitting formulae of B and N.Finally,the proposed analytical solutions are validated by the comparisons with the results of model test and numerical simulation.Results show that the fitting formulae provide a convenient and reliable way to evaluate the key parameters.Besides,the analytical solutions are reasonable and available in predicting the subsurface settlement induced by shield tunnelling in sandy cobble stratum.

Mechanism of high-preload support based on the NPR anchor cable in layered soft rock tunnels

The control of large deformation problems in layered soft rock tunnels needs to solve urgently.The roof problem is particularly severe among the deformation issues in tunnels.This study first analyzes the asymmetric deformation modes in layered soft rock tunnels with large deformations.Subsequently,we construct a mechanical model under ideal conditions for controlling the roof of layered soft rock tunnels through high preload with the support of NPR anchor cables.The prominent roles of long and short NPR anchor cables in the support system are also analyzed.The results indicate the significance of high preload in controlling the roof of layered soft rock tunnels.The short NPR anchor cables effectively improve the integrity of the stratified soft rock layers,while the long NPR anchor cables effectively mobilize the self-bearing capacity of deep-stable rock layers.Finally,the high-preload support method with NPR anchor cables is validated to have a good effect on controlling large deformations in layered soft rock tunnels through field monitoring data.

Probabilistic analysis of tunnel face seismic stability in layered rock masses using Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodel

Face stability is an essential issue in tunnel design and construction.Layered rock masses are typical and ubiquitous;uncertainties in rock properties always exist.In view of this,a comprehensive method,which combines the Upper bound Limit analysis of Tunnel face stability,the Polynomial Chaos Kriging,the Monte-Carlo Simulation and Analysis of Covariance method(ULT-PCK-MA),is proposed to investigate the seismic stability of tunnel faces.A two-dimensional analytical model of ULT is developed to evaluate the virtual support force based on the upper bound limit analysis.An efficient probabilistic analysis method PCK-MA based on the adaptive Polynomial Chaos Kriging metamodel is then implemented to investigate the parameter uncertainty effects.Ten input parameters,including geological strength indices,uniaxial compressive strengths and constants for three rock formations,and the horizontal seismic coefficients,are treated as random variables.The effects of these parameter uncertainties on the failure probability and sensitivity indices are discussed.In addition,the effects of weak layer position,the middle layer thickness and quality,the tunnel diameter,the parameters correlation,and the seismic loadings are investigated,respectively.The results show that the layer distributions significantly influence the tunnel face probabilistic stability,particularly when the weak rock is present in the bottom layer.The efficiency of the proposed ULT-PCK-MA is validated,which is expected to facilitate the engineering design and construction.