Study on Identification of Construction Method for Ultra-Large-Span Tunnel

Although the determination of tunnel construction methods is extremely critical for the construction of ultra-large-span tunnels, the determination of construction methods is still at a qualitative level, which relies on the engineering experience of on-site technicians and lacks rigorous and systematic theoretical basis and technical standards. By means of orthogonal test method, the proper construction method was established for the deep-buried ultra-large-span tunnel where the tunnel excavation span, tunnel surrounding rock strength, and rock integrity coefficient were set as the main control factors. The stability of tunnel surrounding rock under various test conditions was quantified according to the plastic zone properties calculated by the three-factor and five-level orthogonal test model. Meanwhile, the macro form and quantitative method of test combinations under different levels of various factors were proposed to obtain the influence of each factor on the stability of tunnel surrounding rock, and thus the functional relations between various factors and tunnel stability were obtained. On this basis, the identification and the criterion of the ultra-large-span tunnel construction method were established, which can quantitatively reflect the contribution of excavation span of the tunnel, the number of lateral drifts in cross section, surrounding rock strength, and rock integrity coefficient to surrounding rock stability of the tunnel. The construction method calculation results of the Malin tunnel, a practical underground project, are obtained according to the orthogonal test model calculation. Based on the method, Malin tunnel can be constructed safely and efficiently. The research results could provide the theoretical basis for the identification and selection of construction method for ultra-large-span tunnel.

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