Abstract
Vertical joints have significant effects on the stability of shallow-buried loess tunnel. Due to the presence of vertical joints distributed widely in loess, the formation mechanisms of surrounding rock pressure on shallow-buried loess tunnel and its computational method are far different from those in other types of soil tunnel. In this study, the distribution characteristics of surrounding rock pressure in shallow-buried loess tunnel were investigated, and discrete element software 3DEC was used to analyze the formation mechanism and development process of surrounding rock pressure in loess tunnel under the influence of joints. We correlated the stratum deformation characteristic with the frictional force caused by the mutual dislocation between joints, and revised the semi-empirical method (Chinese Code methods) in China. The results show that the measured data of radial surrounding rock pressure of shallow-buried loess tunnel are generally between 0–600 kPa, and 80% in the range of 0–200 kPa. The surrounding rock pressure increases with the burial depth, while the distribution of lateral pressure coefficient is relatively discrete. The existence of loess vertical joints (LVJs) aggravates the uneven distribution of the vertical pressure above the tunnel, and the reduction of the lateral earth pressure coefficient at rest under the influence of joints leads to an increase in pressure near the arch shoulder, these two constitute the essence of the joints action on the surrounding rock pressure. The surrounding rock pressure of the shallow-buried loess tunnel reaches the peak stress at about 0.5D from the tunnel face (D is the tunnel span), which is about 1.04–1.32 times of the initial stress. After the excavation of the upper step, the stress of the tunnel crown monitoring point decreased to about 60% of the initial stress. Compared with ignoring the influence of joints, the time of reaching the peak stress at the arch shoulder monitoring point is earlier, and the final stress release degree is smaller. The comparison of the analytical results (proposed method) with the numerical results and the field data exhibits good agreement, proving the proposed method’s correctness.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Assallay AM, Rogers CDF, Smalley IJ (1997) Formation and collapse of metastable particle packings and open structures in loess deposits. Engineering Geology 48(1–2):101–115, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(97)81916-3
Carranza-Torres C, Fairhurst C (2000) Application of the convergence-confinement method of tunnel design to rock masses that satisfy the Hoek-brown failure criterion. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 15(2):187–213, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0886-7798(00)00046-8
Chen JX, Qiao X, Wang MS (2011) Stress and action mechanism of rock bolt in loess tunnel. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering 30(8):1690–1697 (in Chinese)
Chen BJ, Xie XB, Cheng ZF, Yang YP (2012) Limit analysis for integral stability of stope structure based on strength reduction finite element technique. Mining and Metallurgical Engineering 32(6):17–20 (in Chinese)
Cruden DM (2003) Landslide in the thick loess terrain of North-West China. Geomorphology 49(1–2):172–173, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0169-555X(02)00162-9
Derbyshire E, Mellors TW (1988) Geological and geotechnical characteristics of some loess and loessic soils from China and Britain: A comparison. Engineering Geology 25(2):135–175, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-7952(88)90024-5
Fan CT, Liang QG, Wu XY, Ji BC (2015) Test study on the mechanical characteristics of Weijiazui loess tunnel on Baoji-Lanzhou passenger dedicated lines. Journal of Railway Science and Engineering 12(5):1006–1014, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1672-7029.2015.05.005 (in Chinese)
Feng L, Lin H, Zhang M, Guo L, Jin Z, Liu X (2020) Development and evolution of Loess vertical joints on the Chinese Loess Plateau at different spatiotemporal scales. Engineering Geology 265:105372, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2019.105372
Ferrante A, Lovedos D, Clementi F, Milani G, Sarhosis V (2021) Discontinuous approaches for nonlinear dynamic analyses of an ancient masonry tower. Engineering Structures 230:111626, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2020.111626
Graziani A, Boldini D (2012) Remarks on axisymmetric modeling of deep tunnels in argillaceous formations. I: Plastic clays. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 28:70–79, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2011.09.006
Garakani AA, Haeri SM, Khosravi A, Habibagahi G (2015) Hydromechanical behavior of undisturbed collapsible loessial soils under different stress state conditions. Engineering Geology 195:28–41, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.05.026
Guan BS (2003) Key points of tunnel engineering design. People’s Communications Press, Beijing, China (in Chinese)
Haeri SM, Khosravi A, Garakani AA, Ghazizadeh S (2017) Effect of soil structure and disturbance on hydromechanical behavior of collapsible loessial soils. International Journal of Geomechanics 17(1):04016021, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GM.1943-5622.0000656
Hatzor YH, Feng XT, Li SJ, Yagoda-Biran G, Quan J, Hu LX (2015) Tunnel reinforcement in columnar jointed basalts: The role of rock mass anisotropy. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 46:1–11, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2014.10.008
Hong QY, Lai HP, Liu YY, Chen R, Xie JT (2021) A case study on deformation characteristics of a large cross-section tunnel passing through a soft-plastic layer with different spatial locations. Arabian Journal of Geosciences 14:272, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-06544-2
Jiao KJ (2011) The supporting technology for shallow large profile neighborhood loess tunnels. MSc Thesis, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China, DOI: https://doi.org/10.7666/d.Y2221621 (in Chinese)
JTG D70-2004 (2004) Code for design of road tunnel. China Communications Press, Beijing, China (in Chinese)
J449-2005 (2005) Code for design on tunnel of railway. China Railway Publishing House, Beijing, China (in Chinese)
Karakus M, Fowell RJ (2007) 2-D and 3-D finite element analyses for the settlement due to soft ground tunneling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 21(3–4):392, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2005.12.203
Katona MG (1983) A simple contact-friction interface element with applications to buried culverts. International Journal for Numerical & Analytical Methods in Geomechanics 7(3):371–384, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(84)90106-2
Lai JX, Wang KY, Lai HP, Qiu JL, Xie YL (2015) Mechanical characteristic test of tunnel support structure in weak loess stratum. Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering 15(3):41–51, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1671-1637.2015.03.007 (in Chinese)
Lai HP, Wang B, Liu YY (2021) A surrounding rock pressure calculation method of shallow buried loess tunnel considering stratum cracking. Modern Tunnelling Technology 58(6):95–101, DOI: https://doi.org/10.13807/j.cnki.mtt.2021.06.011 (in Chinese)
Lai HP, Zheng JJ, Xie YL (2012) Study on characteristics of surrounding rock pressure of undercut Metro tunnel with shallow buried excavation in loess region. Journal of the China Railway Society 34(3):80–83, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1001-8360.2012.03.017 (in Chinese)
Lai HP, Zhang J, Zhang LY, Chen R, Yang WJ (2019) A new method based on centrifuge model test for evaluating ground settlement induced by tunneling. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering 23(6):2426–2436, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-019-0780-0
Li CQ, Liang QG, Wu XY, Sun K (2014) Analysis on rigidity of primary support of composite lining and its influencing factors. Tunnel Construction 34(8):754–759, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3973/j.issn.1672-741X.2014.08.008 (in Chinese)
Li A, Liu Y, Dai F, Liu K, Wang K (2022) Deformation characteristics of sidewall and anchorage mechanisms of prestressed cables in layered rock strata dipping steeply into the inner space of underground powerhouse cavern. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 159:105234, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2022.105234
Li A, Liu Y, Dai F, Liu K, Wei MD (2020) Continuum analysis of the structurally controlled displacements for large-scale underground caverns in bedded rock masses. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 97:103288, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103288
Li J, Shao SJ (2021) Development of vertical fissure of loess-considered method for calculation of tunnel surrounding rock pressure. Water Resources and Hydropower Engineering 52(6):76–84, DOI: https://doi.org/10.13928/j.cnki.wrahe.2021.06.009 (in Chinese)
Li NJ, Xia YX (2000) Research of Effect of the matric suction on the mechanical characteristics of unsaturated loess tunnel. Journal of Xi’an Highway University 20(2):49–51, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1671-8879.2000.02.014 (in Chinese)
Li PF, Zhao Y, Zhang DL, Wu D (2013) Study of distribution laws of tunnel surrounding rock pressure based on field measured data statistics. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering 32(7):1392–1399, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-6915.2013.07.014 (in Chinese)
Li PF, Zhao Y, Zhou XJ (2016) Displacement characteristics of high-speed railway tunnel construction. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 51:41–55, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2015.10.009
Li YS, Zhou CY, Zhang HM (2012) Stability analysis of a slope by using strength reduction FEM based on the criterion of uncontrolled displacement at three characteristic nodes. Yellow River 34(2):146–148, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-1379.2012.02.051 (in Chinese)
Liang QG, Fang J, He P (2020) Analysis on tunnel surrounding rock pressure characteristics based on field measured statistics. Chinese Journal of Underground Space and Engineering 16(2):555–566 (in Chinese)
Liang QG, Li J, Li DW, Zhou YY (2011) Some problems on surrounding rock classification of loess tunnels. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering 33(S1):170–176 (in Chinese)
Liu DS (1985) Loess and the environment. Science Press. Beijing, China, 1–28 (in Chinese)
Liu YY, Lai HP (2020) Experimental study on lining cracking of shallow buried loess tunnel under the simulation of effect of slide surface immersion. Applied Sciences 10(17):6080, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app10176080
Liu JL, Luan MT, Zhao SF, Yuan FF, Wang JL (2005) Discussion on criteria for evaluating stability of slope in elastoplastic FEM based on shear strength reduction technique, Rock and Soil Mechanics 26(8):1345–1348, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-7598.2005.08.035 (in Chinese)
Liu XJ, Yao ZW, Wan XQ, Zhang Z (2022) Research on risk assessment on large deformation of loess tunnels underneath residential areas. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering 26:2826–2834, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-022-1401-x
Liu DS, Zhang ZH (1962) Loess in China. Acta Geologica Sinica 42(1):1–14 (in Chinese)
Lu QZ, Peng JB, Chen XJ, Li XA (2005) Research on characteristics of cracks and fissures of loess and their distribution in loess plateau of China. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 19:193–196, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1009-2242.2005.05.048 (in Chinese)
Lu AZ, Xu GS, Sun F, Sun WQ (2010) Elasto-plastic analysis of a circular tunnel including the effect of the axial in situ stress. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences 47(1):50–59, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2009.07.003
Luo LS (2008) Study on secondary support design method of large cross-section loess tunnel in Zhengzhou-Xi’ an passenger dedicated railway line. PhD Thesis, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China, DOI: https://doi.org/10.7666/d.y1345908 (in Chinese)
Luo YB, Chen JX, Zhou S, Li JZ, Liu WW (2020) Mechanical characteristics of primary support of large span loess highway tunnel: A case study in Shaanxi Province, Loess Plateau, NW China primary. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 104(1):103532, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103532
Lyu HM, Shen SL, Zhou A, Chen KL (2020) Calculation of pressure on the shallow-buried twin-tunnel in layered strata. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 103:103465, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2020.103465
Ma SS, Kou B, Zhang LJ, Han CL (2014) Study on characteristics of surrounding rock and support of Malan loess tunnel in Inner Mongolia region. Subgrade Engineering 2014(3):143–147, DOI: https://doi.org/10.13379/j.issn.1003-8825.2014.03.30 (in Chinese)
Macklin SR, Varley P, Varona P, Merino C (2012) The investigation and design for a unique architectural space — the Chillida Cavern, Mount Tindaya, Fuerteventura. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 31:9–19, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2012.04.001
Nadimi S, Shahriar K, Sharifzadeh M, Moarefvand P (2011) Triaxial creep tests and back analysis of time-dependent behavior of siah bisheh cavern by 3-dimensional distinct element method. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 26:155–162, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2010.09.002
O’Brien R, Keller CK, Smith JL (1996) Multiple tracers of shallow ground-water flow and recharge in hilly loess Ground Water 34:675–682, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.1996.tb02055.x
Shao SJ, Deng GH (2008) The strength characteristics of loess with different structures and its application in analyzing the earth pressure on loess tunnel. China Civil Engineering Journal 41(11):93–98, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1000-131X.2008.11.014 (in Chinese)
Shen MR, Chen JF (2015) Rock mechanics. Tongji University Press, Shanghai, China (in Chinese)
Smalley IJ, Derbyshire E (1991) Large loess landslides in active tectonic regions. In: Jones, M, Cosgrove, JŽ (eds.) Neotectonics and Resources. Belhaven Press, London, UK, 202–219
Soliman E, Duddeck H, Ahrens H (1993) Two and three-dimensional analysis of closely spaced double-tube tunnels. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 8(1):13–18, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0886-7798(93)90130-N
Song WL, Lai HP, Liu YY, Yang WH, Zhu ZD (2019) Field and laboratory study of cracking and safety of secondary lining for an existing highway tunnel in loess ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 88:35–46, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2019.02.018
Song ZP, Liu YL, Zhang YW (2021) Research and prospect of demarcation of deep and shallow buried in loess tunnel. Hazard Control in Tunnelling and Underground Engineering 3(2):1–15, DOI: https://doi.org/10.19952/j.cnki.2096-5052.2021.02.01 (in Chinese)
Tang DQ, Yao XF, Peng JB (2014) Loess joints development characteristics and space partition. Applied Mechanics and Materials 501–504:312–317, DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.501-504.312
TB 10003–2005 (2005) Code for design on tunnel of railway. China Railway Publishing House, Beijing, China (in Chinese)
Tong JS (2020) General formulas for calculating surrounding rock pressure of tunnels and underground spaces. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering 24(4):1348–1356, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-020-0943-z
Tonon F (2011) ADECO full-face tunnel excavation of two 260 m2 tubes in clays with sub-horizontal jet-grouting under minimal urban cover. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 26(2):253–266, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2010.09.006
UDC TB10003-2016 (2016) Code for design of railway tunnel. China Communications Press, Beijing, China (in Chinese)
Wang CH (2012) Study on stress and optimization design of secondary linings in highway tunnel. MSc Thesis, Chang’an University, Xi’an, China, DOI: https://doi.org/10.7666/d.D235529 (in Chinese)
Wang KH (2016) Baoji-Lanzhou high-speed railway anding tunnel construction simulation and on-site monitoring and analysis. MSc Thesis, Lanzhou Jiao tong University, Lanzhou, China (in Chinese)
Wang MN, Guo J, Luo LS, Yu Y, Yang JM, Tan ZS (2010) Study of critical buried depth of large cross-section loess tunnel for high-speed railway. Rock and Soil Mechanics 31(4):1157–1162, DOI: https://doi.org/10.16285/j.rsm.2010.04.012 (in Chinese)
Wu J, Liao SM, Liu MB (2019) An analytical solution for the arching effect induced by ground loss of tunneling in sand. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 83:175–186, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2018.09.025
Xie JX (1964) Formation pressure of shallow tunnel. China Civil Engineering Journal 6:58–70 (in Chinese)
Xu GX, Yao LK, Li ZH, Gao ZN (2008) Dynamic response of slopes under earthquakes and influence of ground motion parameters. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering 30(6):918–923, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1000-4548.2008.06.022 (in Chinese)
Xue C (2019) Study on interaction between surrounding rock and supporting system of large section loess tunnel. MSc Thesis, Chang’an University, Xi’an, China (in Chinese)
Yang F (2017) Surface subsidence characteristics and control technology of subway tunnel construction in saturated soft loess. PhD Thesis, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, China (in Chinese)
Yang T, Wang Q, Zhou B, Warrington D (2013) Preferential solute transport in a loess silt loam soil. Soil Science 178:157–164, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/SS.0b013e318299677d
Ye CL (2012) Study on the formation mechanism of ground fissure during loess tunnel construction and its control technology. PhD Thesis, Southwest Jiao tong University, Chengdu, China (in Chinese)
Yuan ZH, Ni WK, Chen ZX (2014) Analysis on movement characters of pull-splitting collapses-Taking Yanchang County of Shaanxi Province. Journal of Catastrophology 29(4):111–115, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1000-811X.2014.04.22 (in Chinese)
Zareifard MR, Fahimifar A (2016) Analytical solutions for the stresses and deformations of deep tunnels in an elastic-brittle-plastic rock mass considering the damaged zone. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 58:186–196, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2016.05.007
Zhang D, Li DW, Wang JS (2010) Comparison and analysis of calculated and measured rock pressure around shallow loess tunnel. Sichuan Architecture 30(1):85–86, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1007-8983.2010.01.036 (in Chinese)
Zhao Y, Li GL, Yu Y (2011) Loess tunnel engineering. China Railway Publishing House, Beijing, China 60–93 (in Chinese)
Zhao ZC, Xie YL, Yang XH, Li YY (2004) Observation research on the mechanical characteristic of highway tunnel lining in loess. China Journal of Highway and Transport 17(1):70–73, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3321/j.issn:1001-7372.2004.01.015 (in Chinese)
Zheng YY, Zhao SY, Deng CJ, Liu MW, Tang XS, Zhang LM (2006) Development of finite element limit analysis method and its applications in geotechnical engineering. Engineering Science 8(12):39–61, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1009-1742.2006.12.005 (in Chinese)
Zhu HH, Huang F, Xu QW (2010) Model test and numerical simulation for progressive failure of weak and fractured tunnel surrounding rock under different overburden depths. Chinese Journal of Rock Mechanics and Engineering 29(6):1113–1122 (in Chinese)
Zienkiewicz OC, Humpheson C, Lewis RW (1975) Associated and nonassociated viscoplasticity and plasticity in soil mechanics. Geotechnique 25(4):671–689, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1975.25.4.671
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51978064, 51908051), Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province (No. 2021JQ-253), Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province, China (Grant No. 2018JQ5001), Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, CHD (NO. 300102282203), by the Traffic construction Research Funds of Shanxi Province (Grant Nos. 2018-1-3).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Zhao, M., Lai, H. & Liu, Y. A Study on the Formation Mechanism and Calculation Method of Surrounding Rock Pressure in Shallow-buried Loess Tunnel Considering the Influence of Vertical Joints. KSCE J Civ Eng 27, 1820–1837 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-023-1479-9
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-023-1479-9