Application of an integrated nonuniform seismic random excitation method in tunnel engineering in soft soil areas

Abstract

Nonuniform seismic excitation cannot be neglected in the seismic design of long-span tunnels in soft soil areas, as it might induce tunnel damage. This paper proposes a method that combines an integrated nonuniform seismic random excitation method with the finite element method to solve the problem of nonuniform seismic input for geotechnical tunnel seismic design in soft soil areas. The integrated nonuniform seismic random excitation method of producing multipoint random seismic waves is investigated considering the effects of passage, incoherence, and energy attenuation. Design codes are developed to achieve random seismic ground waves, baseline adjustment and filtering, and inversion of bedrock. The correctness of an integrated nonuniform seismic random excitation is verified by analysis of the differences (5%–10%) between the simulated and theoretical power spectrum functions. Based on this modelling, the dynamic responses of tunnels subjected to longitudinal and lateral seismic excitations are investigated. Nonuniform seismic excitation will cause greater tunnel deformation and internal forces than uniform seismic excitation due to the tunnel consuming more seismic energy under nonuniform seismic excitation. Longitudinal nonuniform seismic excitation induces compressive and tensile states in the tunnel, and the maximum tension is close to the tensile strength of the concrete. Lateral nonuniform seismic excitation can enlarge the bending moment and shear force, and bending moment and shear force distribution ranges are recommended for this case study.