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Deformation mechanism and mechanical behavior of tunnel within contact zone: a case study

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Abstract

During the construction of a tunnel passing through a contact zone stratum, the supporting structure is at risk of large deformation, cracking, and collapse, which affects the safety of tunnel construction. Based on the Jiayuan Tunnel project, this study used field monitoring data and numerical simulation to conduct a case study on the support mechanism and deformation of the supporting structure of a tunnel passing through the contact zone stratum. The results obtained for four monitoring sections reveal that the supporting structure under the contact zone stratum receives more surrounding rock pressure compared with the general stratum. In this case, the stress and deformation of the supporting structure are larger. Moreover, the deformation and mechanical behavior were uneven at different parts of the supporting structure. Using the numerical software FLAC3D, the deformation mechanism and mechanical behavior of the supporting structure were analyzed and are related to the surrounding rock parameters and interface location. Combined with the feature of the supporting structure in the contact zone stratum, the supporting structure should be strengthened to avoid stress concentration, while the steel arch foot should receive more attention when the interface coincides with the step surface.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Project of China Railway Corporation (2017G007-G). The study in Jiayuan Tunnel was permitted by Yinxi Railway Company, which is the responsible authority of this project. Meanwhile, the study was also supported by the National Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51678499). And we thank Liwen Bianji, Edanz Editing China (www.liwenbianji.cn/ac), for editing the English text of a draft of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Transportation Tunnel Engineering, Ministry of Education, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China

    Wenbo Yang, Yajun Jiang, Xiaoxu Gu, Zongxue Wang, Yingchao Shang & Wenhao Zeng

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  1. Wenbo Yang
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  2. Yajun Jiang
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  3. Xiaoxu Gu
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  4. Zongxue Wang
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  5. Yingchao Shang
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  6. Wenhao Zeng
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Correspondence to Yajun Jiang.

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Yang, W., Jiang, Y., Gu, X. et al. Deformation mechanism and mechanical behavior of tunnel within contact zone: a case study. Bull Eng Geol Environ 80, 5657–5673 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-021-02255-w

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-021-02255-w

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