Study on construction mechanic characteristics and construction optimization of super-large cross-section tunnel portal under shallow buried depth and asymmetrical loading: A case study in Southwest China
2025

Study on Construction Mechanic Characteristics and Optimization of Super-Large Cross-Section Tunnel Portal

publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Chen Hao, Zheng Haozan, Liu Bolong, Huang Man, Liu Jiawei

Primary Institution: School of Civil Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China

Hypothesis

How can excavation methods be optimized to ensure safe construction of super-large cross-section tunnel portals under shallow buried depth and asymmetrical loading?

Conclusion

The study found that the Double Side Drift Method (DSDM) is the most effective excavation method for controlling surrounding rock deformation and improving slope stability in super-large cross-section tunnels.

Supporting Evidence

  • The DSDM showed the least surrounding rock deformation compared to other methods.
  • Excavating the shallow buried side first improved slope stability.
  • The study utilized numerical simulations to validate excavation methods.
  • Field monitoring confirmed the effectiveness of the optimized excavation scheme.

Takeaway

When digging big tunnels, it's important to choose the right way to do it so that the ground doesn't collapse. This study shows that one method works better than others.

Methodology

The study compared three excavation methods (TEM, CDM, DSDM) using numerical simulation and field monitoring to analyze surrounding rock deformation, support stress, and slope stability.

Limitations

The study primarily focused on one specific tunnel case and may not be generalizable to all tunnel construction scenarios.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0316736

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