Discontinuous deformation analysis of super section tunnel surrounding rock stability based on joint distribution simulation

Abstract

Based on binocular stereo photography measurement technology, the actual distribution information of joints and fractures in the tunnel face were obtained via image processing and feature extraction, and the preliminary evaluation of surrounding rock stability of Laohushan tunnel was conducted according to surrounding rock classification method. Since all available surrounding rock classification approaches didn’t consider the influences of the size effect of tunnel excavation span and unfavorable geologic bodies such as weak-fracture zones, an improved discontinuous deformation analysis (DDARF) method was adopted to conduct a numerical simulation of the deformation and fracture processes of the surrounding rock. Using the traveling wave method, triangle DDA blocks were automatically generated in the calculation zone, and the block boundaries were divided into real joints and virtual joints. Based on the real joint information obtained via aforementioned photographic measurement, the real joints in the tunnel face were dynamically modified, in order to achieve the simulation of joint distribution. The results revealed that the fracture evolution regularity, deformation failure mechanism, and block dropping phenomenon that the DDARF joint simulation model calculated are in good agreement with actual conditions, while those obtained based on conventional models present differences from field situation. Additionally, focusing on the localised rockfall phenomenon of Laohushan tunnel, the crack extension rate was introduced to conduct a quantitative comparison of the rock crack evolution process with or without anchor supporting. The research results offer practical guidance for field construction and anchorage support scheme optimization.