Amplification effect of near-field ground motion around deep tunnels based on finite fracturing seismic source model

Abstract

Dynamic failure of rock masses around deep tunnels, such as fault-slip rockburst and seismic-induced collapse, can pose a significant threat to tunnel construction safety. One of the most significant factors that control the accuracy of its risk assessment is the estimation of the ground motion around a tunnel caused by seismicity events. In general, the characteristic parameters of ground motion are estimated in terms of empirical scaling laws. However, these scaling laws make it difficult to accurately estimate the near-field ground motion parameters because the roles of control factors, such as tunnel geometry, damage zone distribution, and seismic source parameters, are not considered. For this, the finite fracturing seismic source model (FFSSM) proposed in this study is used to simulate the near-field ground motion characteristics around deep tunnels. Then, the amplification effects of ground motion caused by the interaction between seismic waves and deep tunnels and corresponding control factors are studied. The control effects of four factors on the near-field ground motion amplification effect are analyzed, including the main seismic source wavelength, tunnel span, tunnel shape, and range of damage zones. An empirical formula for the maximum amplification factor (αm) of the near-field ground motion around deep tunnels is proposed, which consists of four control factors, i.e. the wavelength control factor (Fλ), tunnel span factor (FD), tunnel shape factor (Fs) and excavation damage factor (Fd). This empirical formula provides an easy approach for accurately estimating the ground motion parameters in seismicity-prone regimes and the rock support design of deep tunnels under dynamic loads.

Keywords

• Near-field ground motion
• Amplification effect
• Seismic waves
• Deep tunnel
• Rockburst