Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Geometric Parameters of Reverse Fault on Tunnel Mechanical Response
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Methodology
2.1. Numerical Modeling
2.2. Characterization of Geometric Parameter Variation in Fault Zones
2.3. Boundary Condition
3. Impact Analysis of Deformation Patterns Caused by Reverse Fault Displacement
3.1. Lining Deformation Response
3.2. Axial Tensile and Compressive Stress Analysis of Lining
3.3. Analysis of Vertical Shear Stress of Lining
4. Fault Parameters Influence Analysis
4.1. Fault Zone Core Width
4.2. Total Width of Fault Zone
4.3. Fault Dip Angle
4.4. Fault Dip Direction
4.5. Discussion
5. Conclusions
- (1)
- Three fault dislocation deformation patterns (uniform, linear, nonlinear) were categorized, and their effects on tunnel lining deformation and stress were analyzed. The results show that although the distribution patterns of lining stress and deformation under different patterns are similar, the peak values and influence intensities differ. For example, the maximum relative deformation and shear stress of the lining occur at the rupture plane, while the maximum axial stress appears at the interface between soft and hard rock masses.
- (2)
- The influence of fault geometric parameters (core width, total zone width, dip angle, and dip direction) on the mechanical response of the tunnel linings was explored. Reducing the core width and the total zone width, or increasing the fault dip direction, intensifies the mechanical response. Decreasing the dip angle transitions the axial stress from tensile-compressive to compressive, reduces shear stress, and increases relative deformation intensity. Numerical evidence shows that a 33.3% reduction in core width increases relative deformation by 57.1%, highlighting the sensitivity of narrow fault cores to stress concentration.
- (3)
- This study provides a systematic analysis of reverse fault geometric parameters, filling a gap in the prior research tradition, which lacked comprehensive parameter sensitivity analysis. The classification of nonlinear deformation modes, considering complex fault internal structures, offers a more accurate prediction of stress distribution. These findings can guide tunnel design in active fault zones, such as reinforcing the interface between fault cores and influence zones and adjusting lining parameters based on the dip angle/direction.
- (4)
- Limitations include the focus on static creep slip without dynamic seismic loading or fluid pressure effects, and the simplified mechanical parameters of the surrounding rocks. Future research may integrate dynamic simulations and physical tests to explore coupled hydromechanical behaviors under seismic conditions. In addition to the geometric parameter changes of faults having an impact on the mechanical behavior of tunnels, the mechanical parameters of faults also have a significant influence on the mechanical behavior of tunnels. These works will be discussed in future studies.
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Materials Name | Wall Rock Grade | Density (kg/m3) | Elastic Modulus (GPa) | Poisson’s Cohesion | Friction Ratio | Angle (°) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hanging wall | III | 2600 | 6.0 | 0.29 | 3.0 | 37 |
Affected zone | IV | 2250 | 4.3 | 0.31 | 0.5 | 31 |
Core of fault zone | IV | 1650 | 1.0 | 0.35 | 0.2 | 23 |
Lining | - | 2500 | 30.0 | 0.20 | 2.0 | 25 |
Boundary Conditions Name | Model Composition | Rupture Surface Position | Fixed Area | Displacement Application | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hanging Wall | Fault Zone | ||||
Type I | Lining, hanging wall, footwall, and fracture zone | Center of the fracture zone | Footwall | Uniform displacement | / |
Type II | Lining, hanging wall, footwall, and fracture zone | Center of the fracture zone | Footwall | Uniform displacement | Linear displacement |
Type III | Lining, hanging wall, footwall, and fracture zone | Center of the fracture zone | Footwall | Uniform displacement | Nonlinear displacement |
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Zhang, Y.; Sun, X.; Di, S.; Cui, Z. Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Geometric Parameters of Reverse Fault on Tunnel Mechanical Response. Buildings 2025, 15, 1704. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101704
Zhang Y, Sun X, Di S, Cui Z. Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Geometric Parameters of Reverse Fault on Tunnel Mechanical Response. Buildings. 2025; 15(10):1704. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101704
Chicago/Turabian StyleZhang, Ying, Xin Sun, Shengjie Di, and Zhen Cui. 2025. "Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Geometric Parameters of Reverse Fault on Tunnel Mechanical Response" Buildings 15, no. 10: 1704. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101704
APA StyleZhang, Y., Sun, X., Di, S., & Cui, Z. (2025). Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Geometric Parameters of Reverse Fault on Tunnel Mechanical Response. Buildings, 15(10), 1704. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15101704