Attenuation Potential of Geofoam as Cover Material in Cut and Cover Tunnels during Earthquakes

In this paper, attenuation potential of expanded polystyrene (EPS) geofoam as the embankment material of cut and cover tunnels during static and dynamic loads was assessed by a series of numerical analyses, verified against experimental study. The geofoam is found to have excellent capabilities to attenuate the static and dynamic loads of the tunnel lining. The layout of the geofoam directly influences its attenuation potential. The efficiency of the geofoam is increased as the level of the acceleration of the input motion increases. The study demonstrates that the geofoam performs well as a protective material for underground tunnels during earthquakes.

Automated summary

The study found that geofoam performs well as a protective material for underground tunnels during earthquakes, with excellent capabilities to attenuate static and dynamic loads, and its layout directly influences its attenuation potential.