Impact load resistance of different types of sandwich steel structures containing energy-absorbing materials

Abstract

Traditional tunnel impact resistance support systems face a contradiction between sufficient structural stiffness for stability and adequate energy dissipation capacity for large deformations. To overcome this limitation, a “rigid-flexible-rigid” sandwich steel structure containing energy-absorbing materials (SSCE) is proposed. Theoretical modeling and numerical simulations were conducted to investigate the impact resistance performance of three SSCE configurations: parallel-arc wavy SSCE (Type I), flat plates SSCE (Type II), and staggered-arc wavy SSCE (Type III). Results demonstrate that the SSCE effectively disrupts wave coherence and prolongs the energy dissipation path through multiple mechanisms including interface reflection and refraction, viscoelastic energy dissipation in rubber layers, and wave scattering from wavy geometry. In particular, the impact resistance performance of the Type I SSCE is significantly superior to that of the other two structures. At the monitoring points in the deep rock mass beneath the SSCE, the peak stress wave velocity decreases to 0.03 m/s for Type I, compared to 0.24 m/s for Type II and 0.41  m/s for Type III, the peak maximum principal stress decreases to 8.43 MPa for Type I, compared to 30.09 MPa for Type II and 62.20 MPa for Type III, and the peak displacement decreases to 0.00065 m for Type I, compared to 0.001 m for Type II and 0.00275 for Type III. This research provides a promising solution for enhancing tunnel seismic resilience in active fault zones.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

tunnel crossing active faults / impact load resistance / sandwich steel structure / energy-absorbing materials / stress wave attenuation

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