journal article·2026-02-21Open access

3D Printing Experimental Investigation and DEM Simulation on the Failure Processes of Double Tunnels Containing Fissures

Huaijian Li, Hao Yu, Lanjing Xing, Xiangyu Deng, Xuewen Xiao, Junyang Wang, Linyun Sun, Baoming Wang, Liang Ma, Wangping Qian

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 4

Abstract

To address the current research gap where studies on the failure mechanisms of fissured tunnels mainly focus on single tunnels with insufficient research on double tunnels, and to provide a scientific basis for disaster prevention and control of the Jinan Tunnel on Jinan Ring Expressway, this study investigates the mechanical behavior and failure characteristics of tunnel structures containing fissure–hole composite systems using experimental tests and numerical simulations. The crack initiation, propagation, and coalescence mechanisms are systematically analyzed to provide engineering references for tunnel design and stability assessment. Sand-based 3D printing technology was used to fabricate double-tunnel models with prefabricated fissures of different inclination angles α. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted, and crack evolution was monitored using DIC technology. Meanwhile, numerical simulation verification was performed based on the parallel bond (PB) model of the Discrete Element Method (PFC). The results show that the mechanical response of sand-based 3D-printed models conforms to the brittle characteristics of engineering rock masses. For models without fissures, cracks are preferentially initiated at the top and bottom of the tunnels. For models with fissures, the peak strength is the highest when α = 30° and 60°, and the lowest when α = 45° and 90°. As the fissure inclination angle increases, the tensile stress concentration shifts from the top and bottom of the tunnels and the middle of the fissure to the two ends of the fissure. The numerical simulation results are consistent with the experimental results and can accurately reproduce crack evolution. This study verifies the effectiveness of combining sand-based 3D printing with discrete element simulation, providing a reference for fissure prevention and control as well as operation and maintenance optimization of similar double-tunnel projects.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Tunneling and Rock Mechanics · Rock Mechanics and Modeling · Geotechnical Engineering and Analysis

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Shandong Hi-Speed Infrastructure Construction Co., Ltd., Jinan 250101, China

Shandong Hi-Speed South Ring Expressway Co., Ltd., Jinan 250003, China

School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China

State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Geotechnics and Tunnelling, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program of China · Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province · Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China · College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program

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