Unsymmetrical load effect of geologically inclined bedding strata on tunnels of passenger dedicated lines

In order to study the unsymmetrical load effect in geological bedding strata for the Muzhailing tunnel on the Lanzhou-Chongqing passenger dedicated line in China, we investigated the deformation, mechanical response and pressure of the surrounding rock and the mechanical characteristics of bolts of the tunnel. The results suggest that open zones appear at arch and invert where joints open up, when layered stratum is horizontal, or when the dip angle of in- clined bedding is small. Open zones occur perpendicular to a joint. The failure mode is bending disjunction at the arch tain shear displacement, and lead to obvious geological bedding unsymmetrical load. The failure mode is shear damage. For the joint dip angle in the range of 75-90°, the failure mode is flexural crushing at the wall and vertical shear rup- ture above the arch. The restraining effect of two sides weakens for vertical dip. On the whole, shear failure instabilitytrend would occur and the tunnel collapses evenly. When the angle between the bolt and structure plane is greater than 23°, bolts can enhance the shearing stiffness of joint plane. Unfortunately, in the general purpose graph of tunnel for 250 km/h of passenger dedicated lines, the bolts have equal length and spacing. The rationale behind this is worthy offurther study. For inclined bedding, the surrounding rock pressure at the left wall is more than that at the right wall. In addition, lining is likely to be damaged at left shoulder and side wall. With the dip angle increasing, the unsymmetrical load gradually achieves symmetry. Asymmetry design for support is recommended to reduce the unsymmetrical load on lining disturbed by excavation.

Plastic zone analysis and support optimization of shallow roadway with weakly cemented soft strata

Based on a shallow roadway with weakly cemented soft strata in western China, this paper studies the range and degree of plastic zones in soft strata roadways with weak cementation. Geological radars were used to monitor the loose range and level of surrounding rocks. A mechanical model of weakly cemented roadway was established, including granular material based on the measured results. The model was then used to determine the plastic zone radium. The predicted results agree well with measured results which provide valuable theoretical references for the analysis of surrounding rock stability and support reinforcing design of weakly cemented roadways. Finally, a combined supporting scheme of whole section bolting and grouting was proposed based on the original supporting scheme. It is proved that this support plan can effectively control the deformation and plastic zone expansion of the roadway surrounding rock and thus ensure the long-term stable and safe mining.