Numerical investigation of seismic response of utility tunnels crossing ground fissure under earthquake excitation
Date
2025
Authors
Chen, X.
Xiong, Z.
Liu, Y.
Liang, J.
Zhuge, Y.
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Journal article
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Case Studies in Construction Materials, 2025; 23(ARTN e05478)
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Abstract
It is widely accepted that ground fissure movement can cause severe damage to structures. However, the seismic effects of ground fissures on underground structures has not been thoroughly investigated. In particular, the seismic vulnerability of utility tunnels crossing ground fissures remains insufficiently understood. To address this gap, this study examined the seismic response of utility tunnels crossing ground fissures using finite element simulations. The analysis accounted for nonlinear soil behavior and soil-structure interaction. Furthermore, a parametric analysis was conducted to assess the effects of the tunnel-fissure intersection angle, fissure inclination, and initial dislocation on the seismic damage to the tunnel. The results showed that earthquakes caused large relative displacements between the hanging wall and footwall, leading to significant tunnel damage. The utility tunnel crossing ground fissure experienced vertical dislocation and buckling, particularly near both sides of the fissure. In contrast, tunnel sections farther from the fissure remained comparatively stable. The most severe structural damage occurred at the tunnel-fissure intersection. Seismic damage increased when the fissure inclination was smaller, the tunnel-fissure intersection angle was lower, and the initial dislocation was larger. These findings provide essential guidance for the seismic design of utility tunnels in adverse geological conditions.
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Copyright 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)