Tunnel Research Articles

Stability Analysis of Surrounding Rock and Initial Support of Tunnel Undercrossing Multi-Situational Goafs: A Reference of Construction Guidance

To ensure the construction and operational safety of tunnel undercrossing multi-situational goafs, the Huaying Mountain High-Speed Rail Tunnel, a critical section of the Xi’an-Chongqing High-Speed Railway, was taken as a case study. Based on a three-dimensional finite difference numerical simulation platform, twelve situations were established to analyze the effects of three factors: distance, scale, and angle. The stability analysis was conducted by examining the displacement and deformation characteristics of the surrounding rock, stress changes, and axial forces of the initial support for each situation. The results show that in tunnel undercrossing multi-situational goafs, the vertical deformation, horizontal convergence of the surrounding rock, and the maximum axial force of initial support are all affected. Within a certain range, changes in distance significantly impact subsidence and settlement deformation of the surrounding rock. However, as the distance increases, the horizontal and vertical displacements of the tunnel and the axial force of the initial support tend to decrease. Conversely, the scale and angle of the goaf have an opposite effect on the surrounding rock: as the scale and angle increase, the stability of the surrounding rock deteriorates. In this case study, when the distance exceeds 1.13 times the tunnel span, the influence of the goaf on the stability of the surrounding rock gradually decreases. When the angle exceeds 45°, vertical displacement decreases, and the increasing trend of horizontal displacement gradually diminishes. The conclusions of this paper can provide guidance for designing reinforcement schemes for tunnels crossing through multi-situational goafs. The findings provide valuable insights and guidance for similar engineering projects.

Analytical solutions considering face advance and time-dependent behavior for back-analysis of convergence measurements in deep circular tunnels under isotropic initial stress state

A methodology is presented for the back-analysis of convergence measurements in deep tunnels to determine the constitutive parameters of the surrounding rock mass. Since increasing deformations and stresses with time are due to both the face advance and the time-dependent behavior of the ground, the two effects must be considered during the excavations. To that end, an analytical solution assuming an unlined circular tunnel excavated in a homogeneous isotropic ground under an initial isotropic stress field and assuming a fractional viscoelastic plastic behavior is developed. A second closed-form solution is also derived assuming an instantaneous excavation. Additionally, combining the developed analytical solution that takes into account the progressive face advance and an empirical approach, convergences are back-analyzed based on a least-squares optimization method to calibrate the constitutive parameters of the ground. The presented methodology aims to characterize the long-term behavior of tunnels and offers the advantage of being directly applicable during the excavation phase as soon as convergence measurements are available. Finally, the method is illustrated by two case studies related to the Fréjus road tunnel and the Saint-Martin-la-Porte access gallery (SMP2).

Investigation of the vibration isolation effect of composite vibration isolation walls on ground surface vibrations in deep tunnels of suburban railways

To investigate the vibration isolation effect of composite vibration isolation walls on surface vibrations in suburban railway deep tunnels under various influencing factors, an integrated numerical model of the train was initially developed. This model solved the wheel-rail interaction force and was applied to a three-dimensional volume coupling model of the track soil. Subsequently, the model's reliability was validated through comparison with measured data. Afterward, the vibration isolation effects of various types of EPS material vibration isolation walls were examined, with a focus on exploring the impact of thickness, material proportion, and relative positioning of the materials within the vibration isolation wall composed of EPS material and concrete. Research indicates that with an increase in the burial depth of a single material vibration isolation wall, its effective vibration isolation frequency range gradually widens. When the burial depth of the vibration isolation wall exceeds the tunnel burial depth, the vibration isolation effect is optimal. Composite vibration isolation walls, with thicknesses smaller than single-material vibration isolation walls, exhibit superior vibration isolation effects compared to their single-material counterparts. The effective vibration isolation frequency band of composite vibration isolation walls differs from that of single-material vibration isolation walls. Using the optimal-size vibration isolation wall of a single material as a composite vibration isolation wall enhances the vibration isolation effect of peak acceleration in the frequency domain by 16.58% and peak velocity by 16.95%. Moreover, frequency domain peak displacement experiences a 30.73% improvement in the vibration isolation effect.

Modelling transient unloading-triggered dynamic responses in rock mass under a non-hydrostatic geo-stress

Transient excavation unloading of in situ stress affects the stability of surrounding rock in the deep tunnel engineering. This paper focuses on the dynamic responses triggered by the transient unloading of a non-hydrostatic geo-stress field in deep-buried engineering. With resort to the integral transformation, the frequency-domain responses of stress, displacement and velocity components induced by the transient unloading are obtained under a non-hydrostatic in situ stress. Based on the numerical inversion of the Laplace transformation, the corresponding time-domain theoretical results are determined. Agreement of the current solutions with the existing results and the numerical simulations verifies the proposed scheme in this paper. The elastic analytical results indicate that the influence of unloading path on the stress redistribution is characterized by the unloading rate. The higher the unloading rate is, the larger the stress magnitude is. The smaller the unloading time is, the more remarkable vibration is. The elasto-plastic dynamic numerical responses are investigated on the basis of a self-developed code, elasto-plastic cellular automaton (EPCA), which is a module of CASRock. The numerical results demonstrate that the transient excavation unloading results in the stress redistribution and concentration of surrounding rock mass, inducing damage for the case of exceeding the capacity of rock mass. For the small lateral pressure coefficient (less than 0.25), the tensile-shear failure is the major damage mechanism of surrounding rock, while the shear failure is the major damage mechanism for the large lateral pressure coefficient. The analytical and numerical results can provide theoretical basis for the support and reinforcement of underground tunnel.

Greenhouse gas emission reduction potential in road tunnels – Can we reach the European Union goals with existing materials and technologies?

To achieve the European Uniońs climate goals, the Norwegian transport sector has committed to decrease the Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. For infrastructure projects, the GHG emissions from construction must be reduced by 40 %, while the emissions from maintenance must be cut by 50%. This paper investigates how realistic the GHG emission reduction goals are, if available low carbon materials and technologies are fully adopted. To examine this, we have chosen a typical Norwegian road tunnel from which two carbon emission scenarios are presented. While tunnels represent a specific subset of road infrastructure, this study showcases that implementing sustainable practices in drill and blast tunnel construction can align with the European Union’s ambitious 2030 targets. Besides this, the findings can assist stakeholders to get advice on the environmental impacts of tunnel designs.

Inhibitory effect of calcium carbonate precipitation induced by Triton X-100 and microorganisms on coal dust

During underground tunnel construction, dust endangers the safety and health of workers. Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) represents a novel green dust suppression technology for addressing coal dust pollution, capable of effectively mitigating coal dust pollution. Nevertheless, the concentration of urease will exert a certain influence on the performance of MICP to some extent. Therefore, how to improve the efficiency of urease activity on coal dust suppression is a popular research topic. In this study, based on MICP technology, the properties of microbial dust suppression materials were investigated through contact angle, surface tension, and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests in combination with molecular dynamics simulations, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction using Bacillus megaterium and the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100. The results demonstrate that when the concentration of the bacterial solution is 20 % and the concentrations of urea and calcium chloride are 0.7 mol·L–1, the addition of 1 % Triton X-100 can increase the yield of calcium carbonate to 21.83 %, enhance the structural density of the gel, and increase the UCS by 15.63 %. The calcite and quartz formed on the coal dust surface improved its wettability with a contact angle of only 22°, showing an excellent dust-suppression effect. These research findings serve as a reference for enhancing the MICP dust suppression efficacy and have significant implications for the development and application of microbial dust-suppression agents. This dust suppression method has potential applications in quarries and underground environments.

Energy consumption and dilution of toxic gases in underground infrastructures: A case study in a railway tunnel under forced ventilation

Toxic fumes are released after blasting in underground excavations. The analysis of safe re-entry times into the work areas is essential for addressing safety and productivity concerns. In this paper, a railway tunnel 2.1 km long under forced ventilation system is selected as a case study to assess the energy consumption and re-entry times after blasting under different ventilation conditions. First, three-dimensional CFD numerical models were conducted in order to predict the migration time to reduce the levels of noxious gases below the limits established in safety regulations. Field measurements were conducted to verify the accuracy of the results obtained in the simulations. Then, additional analytical models were conducted to evaluate the energy consumed by the ventilation system. The results obtained show that the accumulated re-entry time reaches 414 h for the excavation of the tunnel employing an airflow rate of 40 m3 s−1. This time increases by 33 % when the airflow rate decreases to 30 m3 s−1. However, even though the time decreases when the ventilation volume increases, energy consumption increases significantly, reaching 1,306 MWh for a ventilation volume of 40 m3 s−1 compared to 551 MWh using an airflow of 30 m3 s−1.

Centrifuge modelling of the dynamic response of twin tunnels under train-induced vibration load

The impact of train-induced vibrations originating from underground tunnels has emerged as a significant environmental issue within urban areas. A multitude of studies, encompassing both numerical analyses and experimental investigations, have been undertaken to explore and address this concern. In the experimental tests, the dynamic characteristics of tunnels and soil has generally been studied using physical models with a single tunnel under a 1 g (gravity) environment. However, twin tunnels are commonly constructed in the field, and the stress of the soil is unrealistically simulated in 1 g models. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of twin tunnels were studied by centrifuge testing. In this paper, results are presented from scaled model tunnel tests conducted at 50 g for four different conditions: a single tunnel, vertical twin tunnels with 60 mm spacing, horizontal twin tunnels with 60 mm and 120 mm spacing. Train load and sweep load were applied by a parallel pre-stressed actuator at the tunnel invert. Accelerometers were employed to gauge the dynamic response of both the tunnels and the surrounding soil. The experimental results illustrate that the interaction between twin tunnels has a clear amplification effect on the dynamic response of the loading tunnel, with the maximum peak particle acceleration (PPA) increasing by up to 43 %. This amplification phenomenon is reduced as the space between the twin tunnels is increased. The experimental results also indicate that the interaction between twin tunnels has a comparatively lower impact on the dynamic response of the surrounding soil when contrasted with the dynamic response of the tunnels themselves.

Selection of track form in railway tunnel from a life cycle analysis perspective

AbstractThe use of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a criterion for decision-making within the rail industry is increasing. The demand for considering this criterion affects the type of decision models acceptable by railway infrastructure managers in the planning, construction, and maintenance of railway assets. The total amount of GHG emitted from a track solution in tunnels during its service life depends on the track form (i.e., ballasted track or ballastless track), the type of construction, maintenance machines used, current traffic profile, and tunnel length. However, the development in the design of ballastless track systems during recent decades to make them environmentally friendly motivates infrastructure managers to rethink and consider the use of the system. This study examines the effect of several design and maintenance factors not adequately addressed in previous research. These factors are (i) the modulus of elasticity of track support affecting the design of track forms, (ii) differences in maintenance and renewal required for track forms in the corresponding line condition, and (iii) recent developments in optimizing the environmental impact of ballastless tracks. The GHG emissions, represented by life cycle carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions, are calculated using the climate impact software developed by the Swedish Transport Administration Trafikverket. The result is compared with the estimated emission from the conventional ballasted tracks. The method proposed in this paper is applied in a case study to study the effect of applying the optimized ballastless track system Rheda 2000® in a railway tunnel (the Hallsberg-Stenkumla tunnel) as part of a new line project in Sweden. The model applied in the study is an integral part of an integrated decision support system for effectively selecting track solutions from a lifecycle perspective. The study´s findings are: (i) the life cycle CO2 equivalent emissions by a ballastless track during its life cycle are 10% lower than that of the ballasted track, (ii) the primary total emission driver for both track form solutions is the emissions generated at the manufacturing of rails. (iii) the second important emission factor for the ballasted track solution is the emission from the renewal of the track form during its life cycle, and (iv) the second important emission factor for the ballastless track solution is concrete manufacturing.

Study on InSAR deformation information extraction and stress state assessment in a railway tunnel in a plateau area

Introduction: The study proposes a method for evaluating stress distribution in high-altitude Tibetan Plateau railway tunnels using high-precision radar satellite time-series interferometric synthetic aperture radar technology.Methods: To effectively monitor and prevent geological hazards during the construction process, this method i employed, as it serves as a component of advanced geological prediction and surrounding rock deformation monitoring technology for high-altitude tunnels, particularly in the Dongelu Tunnel of the China–Tibet Railway. The study utilizes time-series interferometric synthetic aperture radar to obtain deformation information for Dongelu Tunnel area between 2022 and 2023 from Sentinel- 1A orbit images. This quantitatively investigates the upper mountain body and line-of-sight direction along the tunnel. The deformation characteristics are correlated with high-frequency and high-precision automated vertical displacement monitoring results, determining the spatiotemporal distribution of tunnel deformation. In this study, a model that determines the vertical stress state of the Dongelu Tunnel under loading near the entrance and evaluates its health status was established.Results: The results show that the surface deformation of the mountain above the tunnel axis develops slowly and is relatively small, with a maximum vertical deformation rate of 1–3 mm/year. The average stress on the tunnel arch is 5.54 MPa, with a fluctuation range of 0.01 MPa. Temporal Q9 changes in various parts of the tunnel are periodic, with maximum fluctuations observed in December 2022. The study reveals inconsistent surface settlement of the tunnel arch and mountain above it, causing minor vertical stress changes. As the tunnel construction progresses, vertical stress variation shows periodicity because of an initial imbalance in internal stress within the mountain. Stress fluctuations near the tunnel entrance occur during the initial excavation phase, gradually diminishing as the project progresses and internal stress stabilizes.Discussion: The proposed tunnel monitoring and stability assessment method can reduce its impact on engineering construction and provide guidance for advanced geological prediction.

Why Do Drivers Decide to Violate Traffic Rules while Driving Through Road Tunnels? An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Why Do Drivers Decide to Violate Traffic Rules while Driving Through Road Tunnels? An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Large-Deformation Modeling of Surface Instability and Ground Collapse during Tunnel Excavation by Material Point Method

Recent rapid urbanization has led to an increase in tunnel construction, escalating the prevalence of ground collapses. Ground collapses, characterized by large deformation and strain-softening, pose a significant challenge for classical numerical theories and simulation methods. Consequently, a numerical framework combining the material point method (MPM) and strain-softening Drucker–Prager plasticity is introduced in this study to more accurately describe the evolution process and failure mechanism of the subgrade during tunnel excavation. The proposed numerical framework was validated against an analytic solution employing a typical ‘dry bottom’ dam model with solid non-linearity and large deformation; some of the results are also compared with those of the SPH method and centrifugal modeling tests to verify the validity of the MPM method in this paper. The validated model was used in this study to conduct a comprehensive analysis of surface instability and ground collapse under varying soil conditions. This included factors such as strata thickness, cohesion, internal friction angle, and a quantitative description of the development of longitudinal subsidence of the surface. The aim was to clarify deformation responses, failure patterns, and excavation mechanisms, providing insights for underground tunneling practices.

Asbestos Hazard in Serpentinite Rocks: Influence of Mineralogical and Structural Characteristics on Fiber Potential Release

Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) represents a matter of social and environmental concern due to its potential release in the atmosphere during rock excavation and grinding in quarry and road tunnel activities. In most cases, NOA occurs in serpentinites, i.e., rocks deriving from low-grade metamorphic hydration of mantle peridotites. The potential release of asbestos fibers from serpentinite outcrops depends on several features, such as serpentinization degree, rock deformation, weathering, and abundance of fibrous veins. In this study, we selected a set of serpentinite samples from a representative outcrop in Tuscany (Italy), and we analyzed them by Optical, Scanning, and Transmission Electron Microscopies. The samples were treated by grinding tests following the Italian guidelines Decrees 14/5/96 and 152/2006 for the determination of the Release Index (RI), i.e., the fiber amount released through controlled crushing tests. The fine-grained powder released during the tests was analyzed by quantitative Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to determine the variety and the amount of released fibers and to assess the potential hazard of the different serpentinite samples. Results indicate that the amount of released fibers is mostly related to serpentinite deformation, with the highest RI values for cataclastic and foliated samples, typically characterized by widespread occurrence of fibrous veins. Conversely, massive pseudomorphic serpentinite revealed a very low RI, even if their actual chrysotile content is up to 20–25%. Based on our original findings from the RI results, a preliminary investigation of the outcrop at the mesoscale would be of primary importance to obtain a reliable hazard assessment of NOA sites, allowing the primary distinction among the different serpentinites lithotypes and the effective fiber release.

Prediction of Freezing Air Temperature Distribution in the Entire Railway Tunnel According to Tunnel Length and Outside Air Temperature

Prediction of Freezing Air Temperature Distribution in the Entire Railway Tunnel According to Tunnel Length and Outside Air Temperature

Evaluation of an innovative, open-source and quantitative approach for the kinematic analysis of rock slopes based on UAV based Digital Outcrop Model: A case study from a railway tunnel portal (Finale Ligure, Italy)

This paper presents a novel, cost-effective method for a rapid and quantitative characterization of discontinuities in fractured rock cliffs using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-derived Digital Outcrop Models (DOMs). The proposed workflow combines manual extraction of discontinuity data from the DOM with a kinematic analysis using an automated algorithm (ROKA), which upgrades and renews the traditional Markland's test. The case study, a designed railway tunnel portal in NW Italy (Finale Ligure) demonstrates the advantages and limitations of this approach compared to current methods. Manual mapping is compared with (semi-)automatic extraction of discontinuity data from the DOM and validated with field-based scan lines. The results show that in complex geological settings, manual mapping provides more statistically robust and geologically reliable measurements of discontinuity orientation, validated by the user's expertise. Traditional stereographic approaches in kinematic analysis are limited in characterizing spatially variable slopes and discontinuity networks, providing only generic estimations of unstable slope surfaces and discontinuity intersections. This limitation is overcome by new algorithms that incorporate 3D spatial relationships of both the discontinuity network and the rock slope, resulting in a more accurate and site-specific kinematic characterization of the rock cliff, emphasized by 3D visualizations of the critical planes and potential rock failure volumes. The new approach significantly impacts the time, effort, and cost of the engineering projects, allowing to quantitatively define the potential unstable areas with a fast analysis. The Authors stress the importance of integrating digital workflows with comprehensive field-based characterizations of the local litho-stratigraphic and structural setting to effectively utilize large datasets and partially automated procedures.

Three-dimensional trajectories of irregular-shaped tunnel lining fragments in the flow environment caused by high-speed trains

High-speed railway tunnel lining fragments can cause collisions with trains and track blockages, severely affecting train operation. When a train passes through a tunnel where lining fragment is likely to occur, the train wind effect may significantly affect the trajectory of the lining fragment, making the location where the lining fragment is difficult to predict. For safety purpose, this study aims to analyze the impact of the initial circumferential position and shape of irregular-shaped lining fragments on their aerodynamic performance. Using on-site scanning and mathematical statistical methods, the shape characteristics and probability distribution of actual lining fragments in the tunnel are obtained. The aerodynamic behavior of irregular-shaped lining fragments with different initial positions and three typical aspect ratios (ARs) are investigated based on the overset grid method and the dynamic fluid–body interaction model framework as a high-speed train passes. The study found that the most representative lining fragments with an AR of three have a mass of 1.5 kg and are located 2.5 m from the tunnel centerline. The flight behavior of lining fragments shows distinct three-dimensional features, with both translation and rotation significantly affected by the aerodynamic effects of the train and the geometric shape of the fragments. The longitudinal and lateral translational distances of lining fragments at the top of the train decrease as their initial position moves further from the tunnel's centerline. With an increase in AR, both the longitudinal and lateral flight distances and average flight velocities of the fragments increase. The macroscopic flow field within the tunnel directly influences the motion characteristics of the lining fragments. Complex flow separation and circulation phenomena near the fragments result in uneven pressure differences acting on the smooth and rough surfaces of the lining fragments, causing irregular motion. The conclusions of this study provide a theoretical basis for assessing and preventing the impact of lining fragments on the operational safety of trains.

Research on Rock Support Technology of Railway Tunnels Based on Geomechanical Model Tests

Research on Rock Support Technology of Railway Tunnels Based on Geomechanical Model Tests

OPTIONS SELECTION AND IMPACT STUDY OF INTERCITY RAILWAY TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION UNDER AIRPORT INTERZONE

The selection of tunnel construction program for intercity railroad tunnel under the airport must consider the limitations of environmental conditions and the scale of tunnel construction, and the impact of construction on the airport must be controlled within safe limits. Combined with the intercity rail transit tunnel project through the airport area surrounding environment and engineering geological conditions, the use of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and other methods, comprehensive navigation, technology, construction period, cost, construction impacts and other aspects of the comparative analysis of the tunnel construction method of open excavation method and shield method, the results show that: (1) Due to the soft soil and groundwater in the tunnel excavation area, the risk of open excavation is greater, while the shield method is more suitable for longer silty soil tunnels without affecting the navigation, accordingly, the shield tunnel construction is more suitable for the tunnel construction under the airport. (2) Open excavation method has the shortest construction period to meet the requirements of rail transit, the unit cost is between 1 and 2 shield machines, and the total cost is close to 2 shield machines; for lower total cost, choose 1 shield machine, for shortening the construction period, choose 2 shield machines. (3) The maximum ground settlement caused by shield tunneling construction is 20mm, the maximum vertical differential settlement perpendicular to the tunnel is 2.8cm, and the maximum differential settlement is 0.93 ‰. On the one hand, it meets the requirements of airport settlement control, and on the other hand, it has little impact on the vertical connecting road and west station apron, and will not affect the opening of the airport runway and the operation of the terminal.

Analysis of visual and acoustic measures for self-evacuations in road tunnels using virtual reality

Emergency fire situations in tunnels can be especially dangerous when occurring in long underground or subsea tunnels, particularly when evacuation on foot is the only alternative. This paper presents the results from a study comparing different visual and acoustic measures to facilitate efficient and safe emergency evacuation and their effect on people's self-rescue behaviour in response to a tunnel fire. Eighty-one participants evaluated seven different scenarios in virtual reality with or without visual and acoustic supporting measures (i.e. signs, lights, acoustic beacons) to find their way to emergency doors. Objective behavioural data, such as orientation, and walking speed, were collected. The results suggest that the distance between the emergency doors increases uncertainty and affects the time to self-rescue significantly, with four times longer times for 500 m than 250 m between doors. Additionally, the use of continuous guiding lights positively supported orientation and walking speed, with 97 % of the participants finding their way and showing a reduction of time to reach the emergency door of 10–20 s. The study underscores the importance in the proper visual and acoustic evacuation measures for the wayfinding of emergency exits, improving self-rescue of people.

Research on wavelet packet energy entropy extraction method for acoustic signal of tunnel lining cavity

Abstract Tunnel lining cavity is a common disease in high-speed railway tunnels, which seriously affects the safe operation of the line.At present, the commonly used method is manual knocking inspection, but it relies on manual judgment, subjective factors have great influence, and there are errors. This paper proposes a feature extraction method of acoustic vibration signal of tunnel lining cavity based on wavelet packet energy entropy and uses wavelet packet energy entropy to realize the identification of cavity defects.The full-scale simulation model of tunnel with a radius of 6m was constructed by COMSOL and different cavity conditions were set up. The wavelet packet energy entropy characteristics of acoustic signals were extracted and analyzed. The mapping relationship between cavity depth and cavity size and wavelet packet energy entropy was explored. The wavelet packet energy entropy and frequency band distribution characteristics were extracted to realize the identification of cavity defects.The local model which can characterize the whole tunnel is designed and the embedded defects are verified by experiments. The results show that the wavelet packet energy entropy can be used as the identification feature of tunnel lining cavity defects. When the wavelet packet energy entropy is less than 2.53, the existence of tunnel lining cavity defects is characterized.When the wavelet packet energy entropy is in the range of 2.53-2.94, it characterizes the existence of the transition boundary between tunnel lining cavity defect and no disease.This index can be used to realize the rapid and effective identification of cavity defects.