Status of Seismic Analysis Methods For Traffic Tunnel And Their Applicability Suggestions In China

Located between the Eurasia seismic zone and the circum-Pacific seismic belt, China is the largest continent shallow earthquake area around the world by the frequent earthquake activities. And great quantities of tunnels are located in high earthquake intensity area of China. As one of the main structure of the national lifeline, the seismic analysis methods of tunnel must be paid high attention. Based on seismic response characteristics of the traffic tunnel structure, this paper provides a synthesis of the current state of knowledge in the area of seismic analysis for tunnel, including the seismic design criteria, earthquake effects, tunnel seismic behaviors, and the seismic analysis procedure of tunnel. It focuses on analysis methods of tunnel subjected to seismic motion. There are three major seismic analysis methods normally used in tunnel structures; they are seismic coefficient method, seismic deformation method and dynamic response method. The basic principles of the three methods are described in this paper. Based on the different mechanical characteristics between cross-section and axial direction, the proper seismic analysis methods in the two directions are put forward according to the different construction method of tunnel. The research results will provide reference for seismic analysis of traffic tunnel.