Model test of the collapse mode of surrounding rock induced by tunnel excavation in a karst area based on PIV

Abstract

To analyse the collapse mode of the surrounding rock when a tunnel is excavated in a karst region, a scaled model test based on particle image velocimetry (PIV) is designed. The mix ratios of similar materials for different surrounding rock grades are determined via material testing. PIV is used to analyse the images of the surrounding rock deformation captured by a high-definition digital camera during the model experiment. Based on the displacement and velocity diagrams from the model experiment, the range and shape of the excavation-induced collapse of surrounding rock between the karst cave and the tunnel are obtained. Furthermore, the numerical simulation and upper bound theorem are employed to validate the results obtained from the model experiment. The good agreement of the surrounding rock collapse ranges among the model test, numerical simulation and theoretical calculation, showing that the model experiment results presented here is valid.

Keywords

concealed karst cave / scaled model test / similarity ratios / particle image velocimetry (PIV) / collapse surface / limit analysis method / numerical simulation

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Central South University