Stability Analysis of Three-Dimensional Tunnel Face Considering Linear and Nonlinear Strength in Unsaturated Soil
Source abstract
Abstract
The shear strength of unsaturated soils exhibits significant nonlinearity, while previous studies often simplified it with linear strength models. The objective of this paper is to investigate the distinctions in the stability of three-dimensional (3D) tunnel faces when using linear and nonlinear strength models. A new 3D rotational failure mechanism and an extended form of the Mohr–Coulomb (M-C) failure criterion were integrated into the kinematically limited analysis (KLA) framework to describe the failure characteristics of tunnel faces. Subsequently, the factor of safety (FS) of the 3D tunnel faces was calculated using the strength reduction method (SRM). In the discussion section, the impacts of nonlinear shear strength, matric suction in the unsaturated soils, and the 3D geometric parameters of the tunnel on the stability of the tunnel face were analyzed. The outcomes indicate that, in unsaturated soil conditions, diverse nonlinear strength calculation models and soil types exert disparate influences on the FS of 3D tunnel faces. The main novelty of this study lies in establishing an effective method for assessing the stability of tunnel faces in unsaturated soils.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Geotechnical Engineering and Analysis · Geotechnical Engineering and Underground Structures · Dam Engineering and Safety
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Affiliations
School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China
Department of Civil & Architecture Engineering, Changzhou Institute of Technology, Changzhou 213032, China
Funding
Construction and Operation of the Changzhou Metro Tunnel
References (50)
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