Experimental Study on the Mechanism of Intermittent Water and Mud Inrush Caused by Dredging and Rainfall Considering Sedimentary Characteristics in Karst Tunnels

Abstract

The mechanism of intermittent water and mud inrush is a difficult problem faced by disaster prevention and safe construction in karst tunnels. Aiming at revealing the mechanism of intermittent water and mud inrush, we developed an integrated testing system for filling medium deposition in karst caves and intermittent water and mud inrush. By conducting a serial of laboratory experiments, we analyzed the sedimentary characteristics of the filling medium in karst caves and the catastrophic process of intermittent water and mud inrush induced by dredging and rainfall under realistic sedimentary conditions. The results show that the filling medium exhibits layered deposition characteristics, which are affected by the water circulation time, the amount of sediments carried by water and the water flow rate. The first inrush incubation time reduces with the water head increases. The critical water head and the disaster incubation time increase with the deposition height increases. Under the same conditions, the first inrush incubation time of gravel type, silt type, and clay type filling medium decrease sequentially. The results can provide a theoretical basis for preventing intermittent water and mud inrush disasters in karst tunnels.