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Three-dimensional stability analysis of tunnel face considering the upper partial failure in layered rock masses

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the three-dimensional (3D) stability of the tunnel face with considering the possibility of the upper partial failure in layered rock masses. The failure characteristic of the rock material is denoted by the nonlinear Hoek–Brown failure criterion, and a multi-tangent method is introduced and adopted to determine the equivalent Mohr–Coulomb parameters. Based on the traditional 3D rotational failure model, the whole failure model and the upper partial failure model are developed with considering layered rock masses and possibility of upper partial failure at the tunnel face. The upper-bound limit analysis approach is adopted to determine the limit support pressure and failure surface. The proposed method is validated by comparison with existing solutions and numerical results. Parametrical analysis is then conducted to investigate the influence of analytical parameters on the face stability. Finally, the effect of seepage forces on the tunnel face stability is presented. The results show that, the upper partial failure is likely to happen when a soft layer in the upper section of tunnel face. This possibility increases as properties of lower layer increase, the tunnel diameter decreases, and the layered position moves down. The presence of underground water delays the occurrence of upper partial failure at the tunnel face.

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Data availability

All data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request.

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Funding

The support from the Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Major Project (Qian-ke-he-zhong-da-zhuan-xiang-zi [2018]3010) is greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People’s Republic of China

    Guang-Hui Chen

  2. School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410075, People’s Republic of China

    Guang-Hui Chen & Jin-Feng Zou

Authors
  1. Guang-Hui Chen
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  2. Jin-Feng Zou
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Contributions

Conceptualization: Guang-Hui Chen, Jin-Feng Zou. Formal analysis: Guang-Hui Chen. Methodology: Guang-Hui Chen, Jin-Feng Zou. Project administration: Jin-Feng Zou. Resources: Guang-Hui Chen, Jin-Feng Zou. Validation: Guang-Hui Chen. Writing—original draft: Guang-Hui Chen, Jin-Feng Zou. Writing—review and editing: Guang-Hui Chen.

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Correspondence to Guang-Hui Chen.

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Chen, GH., Zou, JF. Three-dimensional stability analysis of tunnel face considering the upper partial failure in layered rock masses. Bull Eng Geol Environ 83, 107 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-024-03602-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-024-03602-3

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