Interface bond degradation and damage characteristics of full-length grouted rock bolt in tunnels with high temperature

Full-length grouted bolts play a crucial role in geotechnical engineering thanks to their excellent stability.However,few studies have been concerned with the degrading performance of grouted rock bolts caused by extensive and continuous heat conduction from surrounding rocks in high-geothermal tunnels buried more than 100 m(temperature from 28C to 100C).To investigate the damage mechanism,we examined the time-varying behaviors of grouted rock bolts in both constant and variable temperature curing environments and their damage due to the coupling effects of high temperature and humidity through mechanical and micro-feature tests,including uniaxial compression test,pull-out test,computed tomography(CT)scans,X-ray diffraction(XRD)test,thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),etc.,and further analyzed the relationship between grout properties and anchorage capability.In order to facilitate a rapid assessment and control of the anchorage performance of anchors in different conditions,results of the interface bond degradation tests were correlated to environment parameters based on the damage model of interfacial bond stress proposed.Accordingly,a thermal hazard classification criterion for anchorage design in high-geothermal tunnels was suggested.Based on the reported results,although high temperature accelerated the early-stage hydration reaction of grouting materials,it affected the distribution and quantity of hydration products by inhibiting hydration degree,thus causing mechanical damage to the anchorage system.There was a significant positive correlation between the strength of the grouting material and the anchoring force.Influenced by the changes in grout properties,three failure patterns of rock bolts typically existed.Applying a hot-wet curing regime results in less reduction in anchorage force compared to the hot-dry curing conditions.The findings of this study would contribute to the design and investigations of grouted rock bolts in high-geothermal tunnels.

Adhesion performance of alkali-activated material for 3-dimensional printing of tunnel linings at different temperatures

Robotic-based technologies such as automated spraying or extrusion-based 3-dimensional(3D)concrete printing can be used to build tunnel linings,aiming at reducing labor and mitigating the associated safety issues,especially in the high-geothermal environment.Extrusion-based 3D concrete printing(3DCP)has additional advantages over automated sprayings,such as improved surface quality and no rebound.However,the effect of different temperatures on the adhesion performance of 3D-printed materials for tunnel linings has not been investigated.This study developed several alkali-activated slag mixtures with different activator modulus ratios to avoid the excessive use of Portland cement and enhance sustainability of 3D printable materials.The thermal responses of the mixtures at different temperatures of 20 and 40℃ were studied.The adhesion strength of the alkali-activated material was evaluated for both early and later ages.Furthermore,the structural evolution of the material exposed to different temperatures was measured.This was followed by microstructure characterization.Results indicate that elevated temperatures accelerate material reactions,resulting in improved early-age adhesion performance.Moreover,higher temperatures contribute to the development of a denser microstructure and enhanced mechanical strength in the hardened stage,particularly in mixtures with higher silicate content.