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Search Results (568)

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20 pages, 9061 KB  
Article
Turbulence and Energy Dissipation of Lateral Deflectors in Free-Surface Tunnel
by Jinrong Da, Yazhou Wang, Zongshi Dong, Fan Yang and Yizhou Cai
Water 2026, 18(9), 1035; https://doi.org/10.3390/w18091035 (registering DOI) - 27 Apr 2026
Abstract
In the deep and narrow valleys of southwestern China, free-surface spillways are widely adopted as auxiliary flood-discharge structures in water conservancy projects. Owing to the high water head upstream, tunnels are often plagued by problems including excessive velocity, cavitation damage, and insufficient downstream [...] Read more.
In the deep and narrow valleys of southwestern China, free-surface spillways are widely adopted as auxiliary flood-discharge structures in water conservancy projects. Owing to the high water head upstream, tunnels are often plagued by problems including excessive velocity, cavitation damage, and insufficient downstream energy dissipation. Previous studies have demonstrated that the installation of novel lateral deflectors in tunnels can effectively regulate local flow patterns while providing additional energy dissipation capacity. In this study, physical model experiments combined with numerical simulations were employed to further compare the energy dissipation characteristics of lateral deflectors. The turbulent characteristics, the energy dissipation process, and the evolution of vortex structures were systematically analyzed based on turbulent kinetic energy, turbulence dissipation rate, fluctuating pressure coefficient, and Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) spectral analysis. The results show that the novel lateral deflector significantly enhances local turbulence intensity and turbulent kinetic energy, promoting the conversion of mean kinetic energy into turbulent kinetic energy and its rapid dissipation within a shorter distance. Spectral energy reaches its peak in the jet impingement region, accompanied by a marked increase in high-frequency components, indicating an intensified energy transfer from large-scale vortices to small-scale vortices. These findings suggest that the novel deflector can serve as an effective internal energy dissipator in free-surface tunnels with shorter turbulent region and more local turbulence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)
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25 pages, 2134 KB  
Article
High-Precision Airfoil Flow-Field Prediction Based on Spatial Multilayer Perceptron with Error-Gradient-Guided Data Sampling
by Yu Li, Di Peng and Feng Gu
Aerospace 2026, 13(5), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace13050401 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 99
Abstract
Airfoil flow-field prediction is important for aerodynamic design, but wind-tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) remain costly and time-consuming. Deep learning enables fast inference, yet many existing models still rely on fixed grid representations, which may lead to insufficient learning in high-gradient [...] Read more.
Airfoil flow-field prediction is important for aerodynamic design, but wind-tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) remain costly and time-consuming. Deep learning enables fast inference, yet many existing models still rely on fixed grid representations, which may lead to insufficient learning in high-gradient regions and larger local errors. This study proposes Spatial Multilayer Perceptron (Spatial MLP) together with an Error-Gradient-Guided Data Sampling (EGDS) strategy for airfoil flow-field prediction. Spatial MLP adopts a coordinate-based point-wise prediction framework. A spatial decoder is introduced as an auxiliary branch to enhance global flow consistency during pretraining, while channel-wise multi-head attention is incorporated to improve cross-variable feature coupling. EGDS prioritizes physically informative points according to relative prediction error and gradient magnitude, while retaining random samples to preserve data diversity. Experiments on an independent test set show that Spatial MLP reduces the mean relative error (averaged over the velocity components u, v, and pressure p) by 15.2% relative to the MLP baseline. With EGDS, the overall mean relative error is further reduced by 34.5% relative to the MLP baseline. These results demonstrate that combining global consistency constraints with targeted sampling effectively improves both global prediction accuracy and local reconstruction quality in high-gradient flow regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Aeronautics)
24 pages, 6496 KB  
Article
Vertical Discretization Analysis of Tunnel Face Stability in Deep Tunnels
by Zeyang Zhang, Jianhong Man and Qingwen Li
Processes 2026, 14(8), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14081287 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 174
Abstract
Existing methods for assessing the stability of deep tunnel face rarely account for the weakening effect of rock mass parameters caused by excavation disturbance. This paper employs a vertical discretization method to divide the rigid failure body into vertical strip elements with fixed [...] Read more.
Existing methods for assessing the stability of deep tunnel face rarely account for the weakening effect of rock mass parameters caused by excavation disturbance. This paper employs a vertical discretization method to divide the rigid failure body into vertical strip elements with fixed horizontal widths. By considering the weakening effect of rock mass parameters, a stability analysis model for the tunnel face is established. The equivalent cohesion and internal friction angle of the rock mass are obtained using the Hoek–Brown criterion and the equivalent Mohr–Coulomb transformation. Combined with the disturbance weakening factor, these yield the equivalent rock mass parameters after disturbance. Stability is solved using limit analysis and the principle of virtual power. The accuracy of the established model is verified through numerical simulation, demonstrating that the proposed analytical approach requires only about 90 s per run compared to approximately 7 h for 3D numerical models. The results indicate that the importance of parameters, in descending order under the specified reference conditions for deep-buried tunnels, is GSI>Dr>h1>mi, where GSI play a dominant role. Excavation disturbance significantly reduces rock mass strength numerically. Assessing GSI and controlling the blasting disturbance are key to ensuring the stability of deep tunnels. Full article
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9 pages, 9304 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Investigations of Transport Aircraft Shock Buffet Under Forced Wing Motions
by Vinzenz Völkl and Christian Breitsamter
Eng. Proc. 2026, 133(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2026133004 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 161
Abstract
Transonic buffet is a critical self-sustained shock/boundary-layer instability limiting the flight envelope of modern transport aircraft. This study investigates the interaction between shock buffet and forced wing motion on the Airbus XRF-1 wind tunnel model, using unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations with the [...] Read more.
Transonic buffet is a critical self-sustained shock/boundary-layer instability limiting the flight envelope of modern transport aircraft. This study investigates the interaction between shock buffet and forced wing motion on the Airbus XRF-1 wind tunnel model, using unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations with the DLR TAU code. The investigation is carried out in deep buffet condition (Ma=0.84, α=4.5, Re=25×106) and validated against wind tunnel data at the same flow condition. The buffet flow is superimposed with forced wing motions derived from a symmetric wing eigenmode at Sr=0.164. Two different amplitudes scaled with the half-span s are considered: Atip=0.0025·s and 0.01·s. The baseline no-forcing URANS captures the buffet flow quite well with only small deviations in the standard deviation of the surface pressure coefficient cp,rms. A special variant of the Discrete Fourier Transformation for the whole wing upper surface cp distribution revealed that the typical buffet frequencies are also matched. The analysis of the forced simulations revealed a strong influence of the local wing motion on the increase of cp,rms. The spectral content showed a shift and damping or amplification of different buffet modes, which is relevant for the interaction of motion induced and buffed induced aerodynamic forces. Full article
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26 pages, 3661 KB  
Article
Peak-Shift Mechanism of Tunnel Response to Segmented Adjacent Excavation with Isolation Piles
by Zhe Wang, Yebo Zhou, Gang Wei, Chenyang Lu, Yongxing He, Xiang Liu, Shuaihua Ye and Guohui Feng
Symmetry 2026, 18(4), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18040660 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 149
Abstract
To evaluate the coupled deformation of existing shield tunnels induced by multi-segment excavations with isolation piles, this study develops an integrated analytical framework combining a Kerr three-parameter foundation-plate model with a three-dimensional image-source solution. A closed-form expression for the soil displacement field is [...] Read more.
To evaluate the coupled deformation of existing shield tunnels induced by multi-segment excavations with isolation piles, this study develops an integrated analytical framework combining a Kerr three-parameter foundation-plate model with a three-dimensional image-source solution. A closed-form expression for the soil displacement field is first derived by incorporating layered soil conditions, staged excavation, and associated spatial effects. The soil–pile interaction of isolation piles is then modeled using the Kerr foundation, and the flexural response is obtained through variational formulation and finite-difference discretization. These responses are sequentially propagated through the excavation stages, enabling the superposition of multi-pit effects on the final retaining-wall deformation. The image-source method and a volume-equivalent transformation are further used to convert wall deformation into an additional stress field acting on the tunnel, which is ultimately coupled with a tunnel–soil deformation–coordination model to compute horizontal tunnel displacements. This unified workflow establishes a continuous mechanical transfer chain—from excavation-induced soil loss to isolation-pile bending and finally tunnel deformation. Parametric analyses show that lateral displacement of the retaining structure is jointly governed by wall bending and pit-bottom uplift, producing a right-skewed “S-shaped” profile. The bending-moment peak shifts toward earlier-excavated zones, indicating a memory effect of excavation sequencing. Two engineering cases verify that the proposed method accurately reproduces the magnitude and depth of measured wall deflections, while predicted tunnel displacements show a near-Gaussian pattern with high accuracy near the peak. The analytical framework provides a robust theoretical basis for optimizing pit segmentation and excavation sequencing adjacent to shield tunnels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Engineering and Materials)
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19 pages, 1079 KB  
Article
Intelligent Triggering of Safety Risk Warning in Metro Tunnel Construction: A Two-Stage Framework Integrating Static and Dynamic Data
by Liang Ou, Yinghui Zhang and Yun Chen
Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1550; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081550 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 254
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of metro tunnel construction, safety risks such as collapse, water inrush, and gas explosion have become increasingly critical. Existing warning models often lack fine-grained disaster type identification and dynamic risk assessment capabilities. This paper proposes a two-stage intelligent warning [...] Read more.
With the rapid expansion of metro tunnel construction, safety risks such as collapse, water inrush, and gas explosion have become increasingly critical. Existing warning models often lack fine-grained disaster type identification and dynamic risk assessment capabilities. This paper proposes a two-stage intelligent warning framework based on multi-source data fusion. First, a dual-autoencoder structure (MLP-AE and LSTM-AE) extracts deep features from static geological parameters and dynamic monitoring sequences. Then, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifier identifies four typical states: normal, collapse, water/mud inrush, and gas explosion. Subsequently, a regression model predicts a continuous risk score, mapped to three risk levels: Safe, Moderate Risk, and Significant Risk. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared with Decision Tree (DT), Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), and Bayesian Network (BN), the proposed framework achieves superior performance in risk level identification, with an accuracy of 91% and an F1-score of 0.87. Notably, it exhibits particularly strong recall for severe (Level III) risks, which is crucial for practical engineering applications. The proposed framework provides a practical and intelligent approach for safety warning in metro tunnel construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Building Structures)
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13 pages, 1599 KB  
Article
VCMA-MRAM In-Memory Stochastic Sampling for Edge Boltzmann Machine Inference
by Xuesheng Deng, Yuesheng Li, Bin Fang and Lin Wang
Electronics 2026, 15(8), 1622; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics15081622 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 372
Abstract
Edge intelligence is often limited by the computation–energy trade-off in resource-constrained devices. Boltzmann machines (BMs) provide strong unsupervised learning capability, yet their reliance on Gibbs sampling makes digital implementations costly in both computation and energy. In this paper, we present a voltage-controlled magnetic [...] Read more.
Edge intelligence is often limited by the computation–energy trade-off in resource-constrained devices. Boltzmann machines (BMs) provide strong unsupervised learning capability, yet their reliance on Gibbs sampling makes digital implementations costly in both computation and energy. In this paper, we present a voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy magnetic tunnel junction (VCMA-MTJ)-based MRAM system that performs in-memory stochastic sampling for state generation and updates in restricted/deep Boltzmann machines (RBMs/DBMs). By exploiting the intrinsic stochastic switching of VCMA-MTJs, the proposed system achieves probabilistic sampling with an energy as low as ∼10 fJ per sample. Implemented on a microcontroller-based edge platform, it enables real-time multi-sensor anomaly detection with an F1-score of 0.9854 and stable operation. The proposed hardware–algorithm co-design achieves in situ stochastic computing and storage within a single MRAM cell, providing an ultra-low-power substrate for probabilistic inference at the edge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Materials, Devices and Applications)
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26 pages, 3240 KB  
Article
Study on the Influence Factors of the Servo Steel Strut of Foundation Pit on Deflection Correction of Adjacent Shield Tunnel
by Gang Wei, Weihao Feng, Zhe Wang, Pengfei Wu, Xuehua Wu, Kuan Chang, Donglai Jiang and Yebo Zhou
Symmetry 2026, 18(4), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18040645 - 12 Apr 2026
Viewed by 268
Abstract
The deep foundation pit excavation of subway will cause horizontal displacement, uneven settlement and other adverse effects on the adjacent shield. The use of servo steel strut has a certain effect on deflection correction, but the current understanding of the influencing factors of [...] Read more.
The deep foundation pit excavation of subway will cause horizontal displacement, uneven settlement and other adverse effects on the adjacent shield. The use of servo steel strut has a certain effect on deflection correction, but the current understanding of the influencing factors of deflection correction is not comprehensive. Based on structural and spatial symmetry, the influence of tunnel depth, tunnel and foundation pit clear distance and deformation control quantity of enclosure structure on deflection correction quantity was studied by symmetrically designed model test and numerical simulation, and the prediction formula of deflection correction quantity considering tunnel and foundation pit clear distance and deformation control quantity of enclosure structure was proposed. The results show that with an increase in the tunnel’s burial depth, deflection correction decreases significantly. When the tunnel is near the foundation pit bottom, there is no significant correction effect, and the control law of the tunnel ground pressure under the servo steel strut loading is consistent with the correction law. Deflection correction is negatively correlated with the tunnel and foundation pit clear distance, and positively correlated with the deformation control of the diaphragm wall. The curve of the deformation control of the enclosure structure and the deflection correction is parabolic. The deflection correction is an exponential function of the ratio of the deformation control of the enclosure structure to the clear distance between the tunnel and the foundation pit, and the servo deflection correction follows a normal distribution along the longitudinal axis of the tunnel, showing obvious symmetry characteristics in the foundation pit influence zone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Engineering and Materials)
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21 pages, 7554 KB  
Article
Mechanism of Structural Plane Dip Angle on Rockburst in a Deeply Buried Hard Rock Tunnel
by Yucheng Wang, Chun’an Tang, Liexian Tang and Tianhui Ma
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3751; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083751 - 11 Apr 2026
Viewed by 223
Abstract
During the excavation of the Qinling Water Conveyance Tunnel, rockbursts influenced by structural planes with varying dip angles occurred frequently, posing a significant threat to personnel and construction safety. This study combines statistical analysis of rockburst cases, numerical simulation, and microseismic monitoring to [...] Read more.
During the excavation of the Qinling Water Conveyance Tunnel, rockbursts influenced by structural planes with varying dip angles occurred frequently, posing a significant threat to personnel and construction safety. This study combines statistical analysis of rockburst cases, numerical simulation, and microseismic monitoring to systematically reveal the influence mechanism of structural plane dip angle on rockbursts. Statistical results indicate that intense rockbursts occurring in the dip angle interval of 0–30° account for 60%. Numerical simulations further demonstrate that dip angles of less than 90° (especially near 10°) induce continuous stress accumulation, leading to large-scale instability. Specifically, the peak acoustic emission (AE) count at a dip angle of 10° is significantly higher than in other configurations, further indicating the highest rockburst risk. Incorporating the influence mechanism of structural plane dip angle into microseismic monitoring analysis significantly improved prediction accuracy. This approach successfully predicted an intense rockburst. Based on these findings, engineering suggestions regarding excavation direction and rockburst early warning optimization are proposed, offering a valuable reference for rockburst mitigation in deep-buried tunnels under similar geological conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rock Mechanics and Mining Engineering)
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25 pages, 8299 KB  
Article
Long-Term Interactive Response and Mechanisms Between Deep-Buried Shield Tunnels and the Surrounding Strata
by Hui Jin, Enzhi Wang, Dalong Jin and Zhen Xu
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3711; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083711 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 322
Abstract
Deep-buried tunnels in urban environments require careful evaluation of their long-term interactions with the surrounding ground to ensure structural safety and sustainability. Taking the Beijing Eastern Sixth Ring Road renovation project as a case study, this research employs a fully coupled fluid–solid numerical [...] Read more.
Deep-buried tunnels in urban environments require careful evaluation of their long-term interactions with the surrounding ground to ensure structural safety and sustainability. Taking the Beijing Eastern Sixth Ring Road renovation project as a case study, this research employs a fully coupled fluid–solid numerical approach to elucidate the long-term disturbance mechanisms associated with deep-buried shield tunneling. Specifically, the research quantifies spatio-temporal ground responses and characterizes the consolidation settlement mechanisms exacerbated by potential tunnel leakage. The results indicate that ground deformation is primarily governed by the intensity of tunnel leakage. When the waterproofing grade of the tunnel meets Grade I or II, leakage and surface settlement remain negligible. However, when a tunnel’s waterproofing grade deteriorates to Grade IV or lower, consolidation settlement increases significantly, becoming the dominant deformation mode. In addition, both the extent and severity of ground movement are highly sensitive to the geometrical boundaries of the strata and the relative depth of the tunnel. Larger permeable domains and deeper tunnels lead to wider pore pressure and stress disturbance zones, ultimately leading to more pronounced long-term settlement. Furthermore, soil permeability dictates the temporal evolution of the ground response, with poorly permeable layers exhibiting delayed fluid–solid re-equilibration. A critical threshold is observed when leakage rates align with or exceed the soil’s permeability, leading to a significant escalation in both the amplitude of subsidence and the time required to reach equilibrium. These findings offer valuable insights for the design, waterproofing, and long-term management of deep urban tunnels. Full article
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21 pages, 2056 KB  
Article
Study on the Multi-Factor Coupling Mechanism Affecting the Permeability of Remolded Clay
by Huanxiao Hu, Shifan Shen, Huatang Shi and Wenqin Yan
Geotechnics 2026, 6(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics6020035 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 209
Abstract
To address the critical challenges of geological hazards, such as water and mud inrush, encountered during the construction of deep-buried tunnels in China, this study investigates the hydraulic properties of remolded mud-infill materials. A multi-scale approach, integrating indoor variable-head permeability tests with scanning [...] Read more.
To address the critical challenges of geological hazards, such as water and mud inrush, encountered during the construction of deep-buried tunnels in China, this study investigates the hydraulic properties of remolded mud-infill materials. A multi-scale approach, integrating indoor variable-head permeability tests with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was employed to characterize the evolutionary patterns of the permeability coefficient (k). Specifically, the research evaluates the independent influences of moisture content, dry density, and confining pressure, alongside the synergistic coupling between dry density and hydration state. The results demonstrate the following: Under independent variable conditions, k exhibits a monotonic decline with increasing dry density and confining pressure while showing a positive correlation with moisture content, with the sensitivity varying significantly across different parameter regimes; under coupled effects, the permeability in both low- and high-moisture ranges manifests a distinct “increase–decrease–increase” fluctuation as dry density rises, reaching a local peak at 2.20 g/cm3. Notably, a relative minimum k (6.12 × 10−7 cm/s) is achieved at the optimum moisture content (5.8%); micro-mechanistic analysis reveals that low-moisture samples are characterized by randomized angular particles and well-developed interconnected macropore networks, facilitating higher k values. Conversely, high-moisture samples exhibit preferential plate-like stacking dominated by occluded micropores, resulting in a substantial reduction in hydraulic conductivity. This study elucidates the multi-factor coupling mechanism governing the seepage behavior of remolded mud, providing essential theoretical benchmarks for the prediction and mitigation of water–mud outburst disasters in deep underground engineering, thereby ensuring the structural stability and operational safety of tunnel projects. Full article
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16 pages, 5067 KB  
Article
Modeling of Water Quality in Deep Tunnels Coupling Temperature–Depth Effects
by Xiaomei Zhang, Qingmin Zhang, Yuanjing Yang, Yuntao Guan and Rui Chen
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(8), 3664; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16083664 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 248
Abstract
As large-scale underground storage infrastructure, deep tunnels exhibit distinct water quality dynamics driven by ground temperature gradients. Currently, there is limited investigation into water quality modeling for deep tunnel systems. Unraveling the correlation between temperature–depth gradients and water quality evolution is crucial for [...] Read more.
As large-scale underground storage infrastructure, deep tunnels exhibit distinct water quality dynamics driven by ground temperature gradients. Currently, there is limited investigation into water quality modeling for deep tunnel systems. Unraveling the correlation between temperature–depth gradients and water quality evolution is crucial for the operation and management of such systems. In this study, field experiments were carried out in the Qianhai–Nanshan Deep Tunnel to investigate complex water quality behavior, leading to the development of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3–N) models that incorporate temporal variation, temperature, and burial depth. Results indicate that temperature is the dominant factor influencing water quality in deep tunnel storage. Increased ground temperature promotes the degradation and mass transport of pollutants within the tunnel system. Owing to temperature–depth effects, the deeply buried Qianhai tunnel significantly reduces river discharge pollution after water storage, with COD and NH3–N removal rates reaching 74.9% and 26.8%, respectively. Temperature-controlled experiments showed that COD and NH3–N reduction rates varied between 60–94% and 10–30% across a temperature range of 20–34 °C. The proposed model was validated against experimental data, achieving Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients of 0.7–0.8. This study provides a methodological foundation for simulating complex aquatic environments and offers a decision-support tool for optimizing the operational strategies of deep tunnel systems. However, the model’s current generalization capability is constrained by the limited experimental conditions (20–34 °C, 12 days) and the lack of experimental replicates, which should be systematically addressed in future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Issues in Geotechnical Engineering)
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31 pages, 7247 KB  
Article
Mechanical Response of Deep Soft-Rock Tunnels Under Different Rock Bolt Configurations: Model Tests
by Yue Yang
Buildings 2026, 16(8), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings16081479 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 295
Abstract
Deep soft-rock tunnels are prone to large deformations and structural damage. This study used the Guanyinping Tunnel as a prototype and conducted 1/50-scale progressive loading model tests under three support configurations: rock-bolt-free, equal-length rock bolts, and mixed long–short rock bolts. Rock stress, radial [...] Read more.
Deep soft-rock tunnels are prone to large deformations and structural damage. This study used the Guanyinping Tunnel as a prototype and conducted 1/50-scale progressive loading model tests under three support configurations: rock-bolt-free, equal-length rock bolts, and mixed long–short rock bolts. Rock stress, radial rock displacement (u), and rock bolt axial force (FN) at the vault, arch shoulders, sidewalls, and wall feet were monitored to reveal reinforcement mechanisms and mechanical response. The results indicated that stress evolution in the bolt-free case exhibited significant spatial heterogeneity. The vault experienced horizontal stress concentration, while the arch shoulder underwent vertical stress concentration. u underwent a three-stage nonlinear progression: elastic linear growth, plastic linear growth, and plastic-accelerated growth. Displacement at the vault was markedly larger than that at other locations. Equal-length rock bolts substantially improved the rock mass stability by delaying stress concentration and fracture propagation. This reinforcement raised the elastic response threshold to 96 kPa and substantially reduced u. FN at the vault and shoulder followed linear growth, accelerated growth, and then gradual decline, whereas FN at the sidewalls and wall feet exhibited a steady linear trend. Combined long and short rock bolts produced a multi-level anchoring effect. Short bolts induced a shallow arching action, while long bolts provided deep suspension. This synergy raised the elastic response threshold to a maximum of 120 kPa and moderated the stress reduction process. Deep residual stresses increased to 74.3–88.4% of peak values. The displacement gradient between shallow and deep rock masses was significantly reduced. The coordinated deformation capacity within the anchoring zone was markedly enhanced. FN distribution exhibited spatial differentiation: short bolts carried the load initially, followed by the activation of long bolts. Both anchoring schemes increased residual stress and mitigated rock mass deformation. The deformation control effect was stronger in shallow rock mass than in deep rock mass. Improvements at the vault and arch shoulders exceeded those at the sidewalls and wall feet. The mixed short–long bolt configuration was superior because it maximized the self-bearing capacity of the deep rock mass. The findings provide experimental data and theoretical guidance for the design and optimization of rock-bolt support in deep soft-rock tunnels. Full article
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23 pages, 10254 KB  
Article
Application of Local Dust Removal and Wet String Grid Purification Device in Deep Buried Long Double-Hole Tunnel
by Weihong Chen, Dong Liu, Shiqiang Chen and Huan Deng
Processes 2026, 14(7), 1186; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14071186 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 401
Abstract
Dust pollution induced by blasting during tunnel construction via the drill-and-blast method poses a severe threat to workers’ health and construction safety. To address this issue, a wet chord grid dust removal and purification device adaptable to deep-buried long tunnels was developed in [...] Read more.
Dust pollution induced by blasting during tunnel construction via the drill-and-blast method poses a severe threat to workers’ health and construction safety. To address this issue, a wet chord grid dust removal and purification device adaptable to deep-buried long tunnels was developed in this study. The device integrates dust control and removal functions, featuring mobility, high purification efficiency, and water recycling capability. Through experimental tests, the optimal operating parameters of the system were determined: the dust removal efficiency reached a peak of 94.3% (laboratory optimal value from the basic parameter optimization test) when the frequency of the extraction axial flow fan was set to 30 Hz and the cross-sectional wind speed of the chord grid reached 3.34 m/s. The circulating water tank achieved the optimal water treatment performance under the conditions of a relative buried depth of 0.42 for the water inlet, a volume ratio of 1:2 for the sedimentation area to the clear water area, and a relative baffle height of 0.65. Numerical simulations based on CFD software (2021) revealed that the on-site dust removal efficiency of the device reached 79.86% and 87.9% under the working conditions where the tunnel face was 10 m and 100 m away from the connecting passage, respectively, which are in good agreement with the field measurement results. In the practical application at the Shierpo Tunnel of the Guangxi Tianba Expressway, the device achieved an average total dust removal efficiency of 78.4%, with 81.2% removal efficiency for PM10 and 76.5% for PM2.5, demonstrating excellent engineering applicability and dust removal performance for respirable dust. This study provides effective technical support and a theoretical basis for improving the construction environment of drill-and-blast tunnels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental and Green Processes)
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25 pages, 4504 KB  
Article
Discrete Element Modelling of Thermal Evolution of Forsmark Repository for Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal and Long-Term Response of Discrete Fracture Network
by Jeoung Seok Yoon, Haimeng Shen, Arno Zang and Flavio Lanaro
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(7), 3592; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16073592 - 7 Apr 2026
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Long-term safety assessment of deep geological repositories for spent nuclear fuel requires explicit evaluation of thermo-mechanical (TM) processes induced by decay heat and their influence on fractured host rock. A safety-relevant, though low-probability, scenario concerns shear reactivation of fractures intersecting deposition holes, which [...] Read more.
Long-term safety assessment of deep geological repositories for spent nuclear fuel requires explicit evaluation of thermo-mechanical (TM) processes induced by decay heat and their influence on fractured host rock. A safety-relevant, though low-probability, scenario concerns shear reactivation of fractures intersecting deposition holes, which could compromise canister integrity if displacement exceeds design limits. This study presents a three-dimensional discrete element modelling approach to analyze the thermal evolution of the Forsmark repository (Sweden) and the associated long-term response of a discrete fracture network (DFN) during the post-closure phase. The model explicitly represents repository panel, deterministic deformation zones, and a stochastically generated fracture network embedded in a bonded particle assembly representing the rock for Particle Flow Code (PFC) numerical simulations. Time-dependent heat release from spent nuclear fuel canisters is implemented using a physically based decay power function. A deposition panel-scale heat-loading formulation accounts for deposition-hole and tunnel spacing. Two emplacement scenarios are analyzed: (a) a simultaneous all-panel heating scenario, used as a conservative bounding case, and (b) a sequential panel heating scenario representing staged emplacement and closure. The simulations show that temperature and thermally induced stress evolution are sensitive to the emplacement and closure sequence. Sequential heating produces a more gradual thermal build-up and lower peak temperatures than simultaneous heating, indicating that thermal and stress perturbations in the host rock can be influenced not only through repository design, but also by operational strategy. Thermally induced fracture shear displacement displays a systematic temporal response. Fractures located within the deposition panel footprint develop shear displacement rapidly during the early post-closure period, reaching peak values at approximately 200 years, followed by gradual relaxation as temperatures decline. The average peak shear displacement on fractures is on the order of 2–3 mm, while fractures outside the panel footprint show smaller early-time displacements and a more prolonged long-term response. All simulated shear displacements remain more than one order of magnitude below the commonly cited canister damage threshold for Forsmark of approximately 50 mm, even for the conservative simultaneous heating case. These results indicate that thermally induced fracture shear is unlikely to cause direct mechanical damage to canisters. At the same time, the persistence of residual shear displacement after heating implies permanent fracture dilation, which may influence long-term hydraulic properties and indirectly affect processes such as groundwater flow and canister corrosion. The modelling framework and results presented here were conducted for review purposes independently from the Swedish safety case, and provide a mechanistic basis for evaluating thermally induced fracture deformation in crystalline rock repositories and contribute to bounding the role of thermo-mechanical processes in the safety assessment of spent nuclear fuel disposal at Forsmark. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Challenges of Rock Engineering)
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