Ground reaction curves for strain-softening rock masses with ground reinforcement based on unified strength criterion

Abstract

Ground reinforcement is crucial for tunnel construction, especially in soft rock tunnels. Existing analytical models are inadequate for predicting the ground reaction curves (GRCs) for reinforced tunnels in strain-softening (SS) rock masses. This study proposes a novel analytical model to determine the GRCs of SS rock masses, incorporating ground reinforcement and intermediate principal stress (IPS). The SS constitutive model captures the progressive post-peak failure, while the elastic-brittle model simulates reinforced rock masses. Nine combined states are innovatively investigated to analyze plastic zone development in natural and reinforced regions. Each region is analyzed separately, and coupled through boundary conditions at interface. Comparison with three types of existing models indicates that these models overestimate reinforcement effects. The deformation prediction errors of single geological material models may exceed 75%. Furthermore, neglecting softening and residual zones in natural regions could lead to errors over 50%. Considering the IPS can effectively utilize the rock strength to reduce tunnel deformation by at least 30%, thereby saving on reinforcement and support costs. The computational results show a satisfactory agreement with the monitoring data from a model test and two tunnel projects. The proposed model may offer valuable insights into the design and construction of reinforced tunnel engineering.

Keywords

ground reinforcement / strain-softening / unified strength criterion / tunnel responses / analytical model

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