Comparative study on dynamic response and probabilistic seismic fragility of underground caverns under near-fault and far-field mainshock–aftershock sequences

Abstract

Actual seismic events typically exhibit mainshock–aftershock sequence characteristics, and source characteristics have a significant impact on cavern response. Currently, the influence of near-fault mainshock–aftershock sequences (NFMA) and far-field mainshock–aftershock sequences (FFMA) on underground caverns is generally ignored. This study aims to establish a framework for evaluating the dynamic response characteristics and seismic fragility of large-scale underground caverns under NFMA/FFMA. The response laws of residual displacement and rock fracture degree of cavern under NFMA/FFMA are comparatively studied, and the failure probability of different damage states is quantified by the fragility function. The results show that the surrounding rock of underground caverns exhibits significant cumulative damage effects and non-uniform failure characteristics under mainshock–aftershock sequences. Aftershock fragility is strongly related to the mainshock-damaged state for underground caverns. The collapse probability of underground caverns after 0.9g aftershocks in NFMA increased from 0.76% in slight damage to 21.12% in moderate damage and 53.51% in severe damage. This study can provide a probabilistic basis for seismic design, aftershock risk warning, and post-earthquake emergency assessment in underground engineering.

Keywords

Near-fault ground motion / Far-field ground motion / Mainshock–aftershock sequence / Rock fracture degree / Cumulative damage / Fragility analysis

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