On the effects of salient parameters for an efficient probabilistic seismic loss assessment of tunnels in alluvial soils

Abstract

Tunnels are critical infrastructure for the sustainable development of urban areas worldwide, especially for modern metropolises. This study investigates the effects of salient parameters, such as the soil conditions, tunnel burial depth, tunnel construction quality, and aging phenomena of the lining, on the direct seismic losses of circular tunnels in alluvial deposits when exposed to ground seismic shaking. For this purpose, a practical approach is employed to probabilistically assess the direct losses of single tunnel segment with unit length, as well as of tunnel elements representative of the Shanghai Metro Lines 1 and 10, assuming various levels of seismic intensity. The findings of this study can serve as the basis for decision-making, seismic loss, and risk management based on the principles of infrastructure resilience.

Keywords

• Seismic risk
• Loss assessment
• Metro tunnels
• Fragility functions
• Infrastructure resilience