Studies on Dynamic Response of Subway Tunnels with Initial Defect under Long-Term Train Loads

Abstract

Based on the background of a subway construction project, deterioration characteristics of the existed subway tunnels under long-term train loads is studied by using the method of stiffness discount which could reflect fatigue damage of the structure. Firstly, dynamic response of the tunnel with initial defects caused by approaching construction under long-term train loads is analyzed according numerical simulation, and some results under different degrees of fatigue are obtained. Then, numerical results of acceleration responses at such different points as the upper vault, the side wall and the bottom of tunnels in two directions, are compared with each other while the train loads are applied at the left tunnel, especially under three different stiffness. Our investigation shows local structural damage in the position with initial cracks will be caused by a high cycle stress although there are fewer influences of stiffness changes on dynamic response of tunnels.