Dynamic Response Characteristics and Deformation Control of Soft–hard Interbedded Tunnel Surrounding Rock Under Excavation Disturbance

Yian Ma; Lin Guo; An Zhang; Xiping Xue; Zhitao Zhao

doi:10.6911/WSRJ.202608_12(8).0005

Authors

Yian Ma Xi’an-Chengdu Passenger Dedicated Line Shaanxi Co., Ltd., Xi’an, China
Lin Guo Xi’an-Chengdu Passenger Dedicated Line Shaanxi Co., Ltd., Xi’an, China
An Zhang China Railway Shanghai Engineering Bureau Group NO.7 Engineering Co., Ltd., Xi’an, China
Xiping Xue China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China
Zhitao Zhao China Railway 18th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., Tianjin, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6911/WSRJ.202608_12(8).0005

Keywords:

Tunnel; Soft-hard interbedded rock masses; Excavation disturbance; Bedding dip angle; Prevention measures.

Abstract

To investigate the influence of excavation disturbance on soft–hard interbedded surrounding rock, a numerical model of a tunnel excavated in soft–hard interbedded strata was established using 3DEC. The dynamic response characteristics and deformation control measures of the surrounding rock with different bedding dip angles were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that the bedding dip angle significantly governs the deformation pattern and stress transfer path of the surrounding rock. When the bedding dip angles are 0° and 90°, the distributions of vertical displacement and vertical stress are relatively regular. In contrast, under bedding dip angles of 30°, 45°, and 60°, the inclined bedding planes form unfavorable intersections with the tunnel contour, resulting in pronounced vertical displacement and vertical stress concentrations near the arch shoulder, sidewall, floor, and soft–hard rock interfaces. Consequently, the surrounding rock exhibits evident asymmetric responses. Among the investigated cases, the 45° bedding dip angle leads to more significant local deformation and stress concentration, and can therefore be regarded as a representative unfavorable condition for tunnel excavation in soft–hard interbedded rock masses. Reducing the excavation advance can decrease the disturbance intensity induced by a single excavation step, narrow the range of vertical displacement concentration, and alleviate local vertical stress concentration, thereby improving the stability of soft–hard interbedded surrounding rock during tunnel construction.

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