Seismic Stability of Dual Tunnels in Cohesive-Frictional Soil Subjected to Surcharge Loading

In this study, a self-developed adaptive finite element limit analysis (AFELA) code was adopted to explore the stability of dual tunnels in cohesive-frictional soil subjected to surcharge loading and seismic action. Parametric studies of different influential factors, including the depth of tunnels, horizontal distance between tunnels, seismic acceleration coefficient, unit weight, cohesion and internal friction angle of soils, were conducted using the AFELA code. An adaptive meshing technique was adopted for optimal accuracy and efficiency, and a pseudostatic method was used to simulate the seismic action. Strict upper bound (UB) and lower bound (LB) results with relative errors of less than 7% were acquired. Detailed design tables were presented to facilitate the engineering design, and three typical failure patterns, including single side-wall failure, half-cross-shaped failure and cross-shaped failure, corresponding to different stable levels, were summarized for a deeper insight into how the failure mechanism evolved under different conditions. The results indicated that the variations in soil unit weight and void depth affected the seismic bearing capacity almost linearly. Furthermore, the dual tunnel system is vulnerable to seismic actions, and the stability of tunnels was further undermined by the adverse effects of additional seismic-caused interactions between two adjacent tunnels.

Automated summary

This study used an adaptive finite element limit analysis code to investigate the stability of dual tunnels in cohesive-frictional soil under surcharge loading and seismic action. Parametric studies were conducted, and strict upper and lower bound results with small relative errors were obtained. Design tables and failure patterns were provided for engineering design. The results showed that soil unit weight and void depth have a nearly linear effect on seismic bearing capacity. The dual tunnel system is vulnerable to seismic actions, and the stability of tunnels is further undermined by the adverse effects of seismic-caused interactions between adjacent tunnels.