Upper bound analysis for deep tunnel face with joined failure mechanism of translation and rotation

Abstract

A joined failure mechanism of translation and rotation was proposed for the stability analysis of deep tunnel face, and the upper bound solution of supporting force of deep tunnel was calculated under pore water pressure. The calculations were based on limit analysis method of upper bound theory, with the employment of non-associated Mohr-Coulomb flow rule. Nonlinear failure criterion was adopted. Optimized analysis was conducted for the effects of the tunnel depth, pore water pressure coefficient, the initial cohesive force and nonlinear coefficient on supporting force. The upper bound solutions are obtained by optimum method. Results are listed and compared with the previously published solutions for the verification of correctness and effectiveness. The failure shapes are presented, and results are discussed for different pore water pressure coefficients and nonlinear coefficients of tunnel face.