Reliability analysis of support strategies in tunnel construction: Insights from geomechanical analysis of jointed rock masses

Naeem Abbas; Kegang Li; Yewuhalashet Fissha; Jitendra Khatti; Merhawi Berhe Geberegergis; N.Rao Cheepurupalli; Blessing Olamide Taiwo; Zemicael Gebrehiwot; Yemane Kide; N. Sri Chandrahas

Results in Earth Sciences (Dec 2024)

Reliability analysis of support strategies in tunnel construction: Insights from geomechanical analysis of jointed rock masses

Naeem Abbas,
Kegang Li,
Yewuhalashet Fissha,
Jitendra Khatti,
Merhawi Berhe Geberegergis,
N.Rao Cheepurupalli,
Blessing Olamide Taiwo,
Zemicael Gebrehiwot,
Yemane Kide,
N. Sri Chandrahas

Affiliations

Naeem Abbas: Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Yunnan 650093, China; Department of Mining Engineering Karakoram International University (KIU), Gilgit, Pakistan; Corresponding author at: Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Yunnan 650093, China.
Kegang Li: Faculty of Land Resources Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Yunnan 650093, China; Corresponding author.
Yewuhalashet Fissha: Department of Geosciences, Geotechnology, and Materials Engineering for Resources, Graduate School of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan; Department of Mining Engineering, Aksum University, Aksum, Tigray 7080, Ethiopia; Corresponding author at: Department of Geosciences, Geotechnology, and Materials Engineering for Resources, Graduate School of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, Akita 010-8502, Japan.
Jitendra Khatti: Department of Civil Engineering, Rajasthan Technical University, Kota, Rajasthan, India
Merhawi Berhe Geberegergis: Department of Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering, Faculty of water technology, Aksum University, Ethiopia
N.Rao Cheepurupalli: Department of Mining Engineering, Aksum University, Aksum, Tigray 7080, Ethiopia
Blessing Olamide Taiwo: Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Zemicael Gebrehiwot: Department of Mining Engineering, Aksum University, Aksum, Tigray 7080, Ethiopia
Yemane Kide: Department of Mining Engineering, Aksum University, Aksum, Tigray 7080, Ethiopia
N. Sri Chandrahas: Department of Mining Engineering, Malla Reddy Engineering College, Hyderabad 500100, India

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 2
p. 100044

Abstract

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In this study, the dynamics of jointed rock masses in the challenging geological setting of the Himalayas, with a focus on tunneling activities and recommendations of support for jointing rock mass, were investigated. The jointing in Himalayan rocks mass poses significant implications for tunnel stability, demanding a detailed analysis of joint characteristics, such as joint connectivity and spacing. The parameter of joint connectivity rate along the Himalayas becomes a key focus, impacting rock mass strength for tunneling. The study utilized quadratic polynomial and reciprocal expressions of power functions, to characterize the nonlinear variation of jointed rock mass strength concerning joint connectivity rate. Integration of these results leads to unified equations that consider rock type dependence, having a realistic representation of jointed rock behavior. Numerical analysis reveals that jointing in rock affects instability through complex stress regimes, identifying critical stress concentration points. The effectiveness of support measures like rock bolts and shotcrete are validated, demonstrating their role in reducing displacements in tunnels.

Published in Results in Earth Sciences

ISSN: 2211-7148 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Science: Geology; Science: Physics: Geophysics. Cosmic physics
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/results-in-earth-sciences

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