Three-dimensional finite element analysis of urban rock tunnel under static loading condition: Effect of the rock weathering

Abstract

Tunnel provide faster, safer and convenient way of transportation for different objects. The region where it is construction and surrounding medium has significant influence on the overall stability and performance of tunnel. The present simulation has been carried out in order to understand the behaviour of rock tunnel under static loading condition. The present numerical model has been validated with the laboratory scaled model and field data of underground tunnels. Both lined and unlined tunnels have been considered in this paper. Finite element technique has been considered for the simulation of static loading effect on tunnel through Abaqus/Standard. The Mohr-Coulomb material model has been considered to simulate elastoplastic nonlinear behaviour of different rock types, i.e., Basalt, Granite and Quartzite. The four different stages of rock weathering are classified as fresh, slightly, moderately, and highly weathered in case of each rock type. Moreover, extremely weathered stage has been considered in case of Quartzite rock. It has been concluded that weathering of rock and overburden depth has great influence on the tunnel stability. However, by considering a particular weathering stage of rock for each rock type shows varying patterns of deformations in tunnel.