Study on mechanical properties of corrugated steel support tunnel under fault sliding

Abstract

PurposeThere have been limited investigations on the mechanical characteristics of tunnels supported by corrugated plate structures during fault dislocation. The authors obtained circumferential and axial deformations of the spiral corrugated pipe at various fault displacements. Lastly, the authors examined the impact of reinforced spiral stiffness and soil constraints on the support performance of corrugated plate tunnels under fault displacement.Design/methodology/approachBy employing the theory of similarity ratios, the authors conducted model tests on spiral corrugated plate support using loose sand and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) spiral corrugated PE pipes for cross-fault tunnels. Subsequently, the soil spring coefficient for tunnel–soil interaction was determined in accordance with ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) specifications. Numerical simulations were performed on spiral corrugated pipes with fault dislocation, and the results were compared with the experimental data, enabling the determination of the variation pattern of the soil spring coefficient.FindingsThe findings indicate that the maximum axial tensile and compressive strains occur on both sides of the fault. As the reinforced spiral stiffness reaches a certain threshold, the deformation of the corrugated plate tunnel and the maximum fault displacement stabilize. Furthermore, a stronger soil constraint leads to a lower maximum fault displacement that the tunnel can withstand.Research limitations/implicationsIn this study, the calculation formula for density similarity ratio cannot be taken into account due to the limitations of the helical corrugated tube process and the focus on the deformation pattern of helical corrugated tubes under fault action.Originality/valueThis study provides a basis for the mechanical properties of helical corrugated tube tunnels under fault misalignment and offers optimization solutions.