Numerical finite element analysis of underground tunnel crossing an active reverse fault: a case study on the Sabzkouh segmental tunnel

摘要

The study of past earthquakes indicates that permanent landform variations are the main cause of tunnels failure in comparison with seismic vibrations. In this study, the effect of reverse fault displacements on tunnels has been investigated using 2D and 3D FEM. An explicit dynamic analysis method has been used to take the effect of fault movement into account. The effect of different factors such as tunnel position, crossing angle, dip angle and soil characteristics surrounding the tunnel have been studied. As a case study, the behavior of Sabzkouh tunnel located in Chahar Mahal-e Bakhtiari province, Iran is investigated at the intersection with Sulaghan fault. Due to the displacement of the Sulaghan fault, the most damage to the Sabzkouh tunnel will be from the connections area. A brief discussion on the design counter-measures to reduce the effects of reverse fault movement is also included.