Discrete-Element Investigation on the Progressive Failure of Cut-and-Cover Tunnel Lining with Various Section Features
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24, Issue 12
Abstract
Similar to the deep-buried tunnel, the lining of the cut-and-cover tunnel (CCT) exhibits varying degrees of cracking failure during ultrahigh backfill. To explore the whole progressive failure process of a high-filled cut-and-cover tunnel lining structure from the mesodamage to the macrolocal failure and then to the overall instability during backfill, based on the discrete-element program PFC2D, we simulated the mechanical behavior and fracture characteristics of the CCTs with rectangular, circular, and arch lining section features with the backfill height. Two load-reduction measures—load-reduction material (LRM) and the interaction of LRM and concrete walls—were then further proposed, and the impact of load-reduction measures on the progressive failure of CCT lining was analyzed. The simulation results show that the various lining section features indicate differences in the distribution and value of lining stress and fracture. But the CCT lining with features of the three sections exhibits a progressive failure process from cracking to local collapse and falling and finally to overall instability as the backfill height increases. Furthermore, the LRM and concrete walls can effectively reduce the vertical stress of the lining vault and the horizontal stress of the haunch, respectively, to ensure the stability and integrity of the CCT.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The research presented in this paper was carried out under the financial support of the Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Sichuan Province (Grant No. 2022JDJQ0018), the Basic Research Innovation Group Project of Gansu Province (Grant No. 21JR7RA347), the National Science Foundation of Gansu Province (Grant No. 22JR5RA338), and the 2022 “Innovation Star” Project for Excellent Postgraduates of Gansu Province (Grant No. 2022CXZX-529).
Author contributions: Liangliang Zhao: Formal analysis, Data curation, Software, Writing—original draft; Wenbo Yang: Formal analysis, Funding acquisition, Supervision, Writing—review and editing; Hu Fei: Data curation, Supervision, Writing—review and editing; Yang Liang: Formal analysis, Writing—review and editing; Zhilong Wang: Data curation, Writing—review and editing; Yuxiang Yao: Methodology, Software, Writing—review and editing; Sheng Li: Funding acquisition, Supervision, Writing—review and editing.
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International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 24 • Issue 12 • December 2024
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© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 21, 2023
Accepted: Jun 10, 2024
Published online: Sep 18, 2024
Published in print: Dec 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Feb 18, 2025
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