Study on coupled 3D seepage and stress fields of the complex channel project

Seepage is a vital reason that may bring many adverse consequences such as subsidence, inclination and fracture to the channel, and is harmful to the safety and stability of the channel. Thus, a 3D visualization model is established for the engineering geological information of the research channel section by using NURBS-TIN-BRep hybrid data structure. Coupled with the VOF (volume of fluid) method, the N-S (Navier-Stokes) equations are applied to seepage simulation of the research channel section. Then the stability of the channel is studied coupled with the seepage simulation results, to comprehensively analyze the stress and displacement conditions of the channel under the impact of different factors such as seepage and underground goafs. The results of this study illustrate that the channel seepage has great influence on its stability, especially on the displacement field: it will lead to a significant sedimentation to the foundation. Therefore, during the practical construction, it is suggested that the certain part of the channel should be reinforced and effective seepage control measures should be taken.