Analysis and optimization design of submarine tunnels crossing fault fracture zones based on numerical simulation

Abstract

Fault fracture zones have always been a key problem in the construction of submarine tunnels. To efficiently summarize the safety impact of different construction schemes on a submarine tunnel crossing a fault fracture, a theoretical model using numerical simulation has been established via the benching tunnelling construction method, three-step method, Center Diaphragm method (CD method), both sides heading method, Cross Diaphragm method (CRD method) and two kinds of supporting methods: pre-grouting and shotcreting. Numerical simulation studies on the excavation and support of submarine tunnels crossing fault fracture zones have been carried out. The research indicates: the fracture zone is the main area where sedimentation instability occurs; the CRD method has the lowest horizontal convergence under the support of the diaphragm; increasing the grouting strength is more effective in controlling the deformation of the surrounding rock than increasing the range of the pre-grouting and the thickness of the shotcrete in the initial support is increased, and its resulting effect is obvious. To optimize the construction scheme, we compared the settlement, horizontal convergence and surrounding rock stress of the tunnel according to the simulation results of different excavation support methods, which could provide theoretical guidance for better on-site construction techniques.