Model test on the collapse mechanism of subway tunnels in the soil-sand-rock composite strata

Abstract

Collapse is a typical type of accident during subway tunnel construction. Complex geological conditions, particularly soil-sand-rock composite strata, significantly contribute to strata instability, posing a serious threat to tunnel safety. Indeed, the progressive failure leading to the collapse of subway tunnels in these composite strata exhibits distinct characteristics from that of single strata and warrants further research. In this paper, model tests were conducted to investigate the collapse process of the soil-sand-rock composite strata under different overlayer rock thicknesses. Soil pressure sensors monitored the mechanical response of the strata, while a two-dimensional full-field deformation measurement and analysis system (XTDIC-2D) provided displacement and strain fields. Additionally, an industrial camera captured video footage of the failure process. The results demonstrated that the collapse characteristics of the soil-sand-rock composite strata were significantly impacted by overlayer rock layer thickness. As the thickness of the rock layer decreased, the collapse easily expanded to the sand layer under a slight loading. The sand layer exhibited distinct behaviors with high compressibility, thixotropy, and flowability during the collapse process. The high compressibility of the sand layer before collapse resulted in strain concentration within it, thereby resisting the deformation of the rock strata. After the collapse of the rock strata, the thixotropic and flowability properties caused the collapse surface to expand in a funnel shape towards both sides. A stabilized stratigraphic arch could not be formed due to the arch foot being located above the sand layer, which cannot provide stable support. Overall, the results of this research offer valuable guidance for the prevention and control of tunnel collapse in soil-sand-rock composite strata.