Experimental study on forced response characteristics and anti-dislocation performance of articulated tunnel structure under dislocation action of normal fault

Abstract

The stick–slip dislocation of normal faults will produce large permanent displacement. The tunnel lining structure crossing active normal faults is easily affected by fault dislocation. It is necessary to study the mechanical behavior of tunnel lining structure under fault dislocation. Therefore, taking the subway tunnel of Urumqi Rail Transit Line 1 crossing the Jiujiawan fault project as an example, based on the optimal mix ratio determined by the indoor similar material ratio test, the self-designed large-scale active fault dislocation simulation loading system is used to carry out the stick–slip dislocation model test of normal fault with 60° dip angle. The mechanical behavior difference between the conventional tunnel structure and the flexible articulated tunnel structure is compared and analyzed, and the cracking range, damage characteristics and failure mode of the tunnel lining structure are defined. The results show that: (1) The failure modes of the conventional tunnel structure and the flexible articulated tunnel structure are basically the same, including the large eccentric failure of the inverted arch and the wall foot, and the compression shear failure at the fault plane, which are longitudinal cracks and oblique cracks respectively. In addition, there are longitudinal cracks in the inner side of the invert and the lateral side of the wall foot, but few circumferential cracks. (2) Because the flexible articulated structure increases the overall longitudinal flexibility of the tunnel, the flexible joints between segments can share part of the fault dislocation displacement, so the deformation range, failure degree and number of cracks of the articulated tunnel structure are significantly reduced compared with the conventional tunnel structure, and the anti-dislocation performance is better. (3) Considering the influence of fault dislocation on tunnel structure, the loose area and empty area should be investigated and repaired in the rapid repair and reinforcement of post-disaster tunnel. At the same time, the case study ideas and test methods in this paper can provide some reference value and guidance for other similar tunnel engineering studies in the future.