Green’s functions for longitudinal seismic response of stratum-lining-backfill-pipeline system crossing the interface of soft and hard rock

Abstract

Protecting pipelines inside tunnels is as crucial as safeguarding the tunnel lining from earthquake damage in high seismic intensity areas. However, current research predominantly concentrates on fortifying the tunnel lining, and the safety of the internal pipeline has not yet been fully understood or adequately considered in the design of pipeline tunnels. To address this issue, a simplified analysis model is established using a double-beam model, specifically for a stratum-lining-backfill-pipeline system crossing the interface of soft rock and hard rock. An analytical solution for the longitudinal response of the lining and pipeline is developed using the Green’on method. The accuracy and rationality of the proposed analytical solution are verified through a 3D formation-structure model based on the finite-difference software FLAC3D. Subsequently, a parametric study is conducted using the proposed solution, examining the impacts of various parameters including tunnel lining stiffness, pipeline stiffness, and backfill soil stiffness. The results suggest that reducing the lining stiffness can decrease the peak internal force of lining, while concurrently increasing the peak internal force of the pipeline within the tunnel due to an increase in tunnel lining displacement. Notably, the effect of changing the stiffness of backfill soil and pipeline on the tunnel lining is minimal. Nonetheless, reducing the stiffness of backfill soil and pipeline can enhance the seismic resistance of the pipeline within the tunnel.

Keywords

pipeline tunnels / longitudinal response / semi-analytical method / double-beam / soft rock and hard rock

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Central South University