Parametric Analysis and Control of Bedding-Inclined Asymmetric Stress in Double-Arch Tunnels: A 3DEC-Based Study on Jointed Rock Masses
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Numerical Simulations Using 3DEC
2.1. Implementation of the Numerical Model
2.2. Excavation and Support Simulation Sequence
2.3. Verification of Numerical Modeling
2.4. Numerical Model Parameters of the Double-Arch Tunnel
2.5. Placement of Data Sampling Points for Model Analysis
3. Parametric Analysis of Joint Characteristics
3.1. Effect of Joint Dip Angle on BIAS and Deformation
3.1.1. Surrounding Rock Deformation Patterns
3.1.2. Differential Displacement of Middle Partition Wall
3.1.3. Quantification of BIAS Magnitude
3.2. Effect of Joint Spacing on Rock Mass Integrity
3.2.1. Effect of Joint Spacing on Surrounding Rock Deformation
3.2.2. Differential Displacement of Middle Partition Wall Under Different Joint Spacings
3.2.3. Quantification of BIAS Magnitude Under Different Joint Spacings
4. Analysis of Control Measures for BIAS
4.1. Optimization of Construction Methods
4.1.1. Influence of Excavation Sequence on Surrounding Rock Deformation
4.1.2. Stability Enhancement of the Middle Partition Wall
4.1.3. Reduction of Asymmetric Stress Ratios
4.2. Optimization of Rock Bolt Configuration
4.2.1. Surrounding Rock Deformation Patterns Under Different Bolt Arrangements
4.2.2. Stability Enhancement of the Middle Partition Wall Under Different Bolt Arrangements
4.2.3. Quantification of BIAS Magnitude Under Different Bolt Arrangements
- (1)
- Angular configuration optimization: dip side bolts perpendicular to rock strata significantly alleviate BIAS.
- (2)
- Length adjustment strategy: counter-dip side bolt lengthening delivers the most pronounced control effect.
5. Conclusions and Outlook
- (1)
- Deformation and stress patterns: In inclined layered jointed rock masses, the maximum downward deformation of surrounding rock occurs at the top of the middle partition wall, while the maximum upward deformation is observed at its base. Counter-dip side deformation exceeds that of the dip side, with crown settlement significantly surpassing convergence deformation. Stress concentrations are higher at the crown and outer haunch on the counter-dip side, whereas the invert and inner haunch on the dip side exhibit greater stress. The BIAS intensity at the crown and inner haunch surpasses that at other locations.
- (2)
- Joint parameter influences: The BIAS intensity initially increases and subsequently decreases with rising joint dip angles, reaching its peak magnitude at approximately 45°. Meanwhile, BIAS progressively diminishes as joint spacing increases, with its influence becoming negligible when spacing exceeds 3.5 m.
- (3)
- Optimization strategies: Construction sequencing with dip-side pilot excavation demonstrates superior BIAS control compared to other sequences. Full-face excavation outperforms the bench method in stress redistribution management. Vertical bolting (90° to bedding planes) on the dip side effectively mitigates BIAS. Lengthening counter-dip side bolts provide enhanced control compared to dip-side adjustments. These findings provide theoretical guidance and technical references for the design and construction of double-arch tunnels in layered jointed rock masses under BIAS configurations.
- (1)
- Conducting multi-physics coupling analyses (e.g., hydro–mechanical–thermal interactions) to elucidate regulatory mechanisms of groundwater seepage and thermal gradients on BIAS evolution in stratified rock masses.
- (2)
- Validating current conclusions through comparative studies across diverse geological settings, particularly high-stress mountainous terrains and soft surrounding rock environments.
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Material Type | (kN/m3) | (GPa) | (°) | (GPa) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rock Mass | 20.0 | 1.2 | 0.35 | 25 | 0.2 |
Primary Support | 23.0 | 27.2 | 0.25 | — | — |
Middle Partition Wall | 25.0 | 32.5 | 0.20 | — | — |
Settlement Parameter | Measured Value (mm) | Simulated Value (mm) | Difference (mm) | Error |
---|---|---|---|---|
Left Tunnel Crown Settlement | 18.7 | 17.2 | 1.5 | 8.0% |
Right Tunnel Crown Settlement | 17.6 | 16.0 | 1.6 | 9.1% |
Material Type | (kN/m3) | (GPa) | (°) | (MPa) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rock Mass | 24.0 | 13.0 | 0.35 | 45 | 1.1 |
Primary Support | 24.9 | 30.5 | 0.20 | — | — |
Middle Partition Wall | 25.0 | 31.5 | 0.20 | — | — |
Secondary Lining | 25.0 | 31.5 | 0.20 | — | — |
Rock Bolt | 7.8 | 200.0 | 0.31 | — | — |
Normal Stiffness (GPa) | Tangential Stiffness (GPa) | Tensile Stiffness (kPa) | Cohesion (kPa) | Internal Friction Angle (°) |
---|---|---|---|---|
7.5 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 60.0 | 25.0 |
Condition 1 | Condition 2 | Condition 3 | Condition 4 | Condition 5 | Condition 6 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Simultaneous Excavation | Left Tunnel Precedence | Right Tunnel Precedence | Simultaneous Advancement | Left Tunnel Precedence | Right Tunnel Precedence |
Full-face Excavation Method | Full-face Excavation Method | Full-face Excavation Method | Bench Method | Bench Method | Bench Method |
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Zhang, P.; Li, W.; Xu, L.; Wu, F.; Li, Z.; Tai, P.; Liu, L. Parametric Analysis and Control of Bedding-Inclined Asymmetric Stress in Double-Arch Tunnels: A 3DEC-Based Study on Jointed Rock Masses. Buildings 2025, 15, 1816. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111816
Zhang P, Li W, Xu L, Wu F, Li Z, Tai P, Liu L. Parametric Analysis and Control of Bedding-Inclined Asymmetric Stress in Double-Arch Tunnels: A 3DEC-Based Study on Jointed Rock Masses. Buildings. 2025; 15(11):1816. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111816
Chicago/Turabian StyleZhang, Pai, Wangrong Li, Liqiang Xu, Fengwei Wu, Zaihong Li, Pei Tai, and Leilei Liu. 2025. "Parametric Analysis and Control of Bedding-Inclined Asymmetric Stress in Double-Arch Tunnels: A 3DEC-Based Study on Jointed Rock Masses" Buildings 15, no. 11: 1816. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111816
APA StyleZhang, P., Li, W., Xu, L., Wu, F., Li, Z., Tai, P., & Liu, L. (2025). Parametric Analysis and Control of Bedding-Inclined Asymmetric Stress in Double-Arch Tunnels: A 3DEC-Based Study on Jointed Rock Masses. Buildings, 15(11), 1816. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15111816