Analysis of fracture propagation in a rock mass surrounding a tunnel under high internal pressure by the element-free Galerkin method

作者：Tunsakul Jukkrawut; Jongpradist Pomkasem^*; Soparat Preecha; Kongkitkul Warat; Nanakorn Pruettha

来源：Computers and Geotechnics, 2014, 55: 78-90.

DOI：10.1016/j.compgeo.2013.08.003

• Fracture propagation
• Tunnel in rock
• High internal pressure
• EFG

Fractures developed around high pressurized gas or air storage tunnels can progressively extend to the ground surface, eventually leading to an uplift failure. A tool reasonably reproducing the failure patterns is necessary for stability assessment. In this study, a numerical method based on the element-free Galerkin (EFG) method with a cohesive crack model is developed to simulate fracture propagation patterns in the rock mass around a tunnel under high internal pressure. A series of physical model tests was also conducted to validate the reliability of the developed method. A qualitative agreement between physical model tests and numerical results can be obtained. The in situ stress ratio, k, has a strong influence on both the position of crack initiation and the propagation direction. The numerical analyses were extended to full-scale problems. Numerical tests were performed to investigate the prime influencing factors on the failure patterns of a high pressurized gas circular tunnel with varying parameters. The results suggest that initial in situ stress conditions with a high k (larger than 1) is favorable for construction of pressurized gas or air storage tunnels.

• 出版日期2014-1