Upper Bound Limit Analysis of Deep Tunnel Face Support Pressure with Nonlinear Failure Criterion under Pore Water Conditions

Based on the nonlinear failure criterion and modified tangential technique, the upper bound solutions of the critical supporting pressure on the deep tunnel face were obtained under pore water pressure conditions. The influence of parameters on the critical supporting pressure and collapse range was investigated according to the unlimited block failure mechanism. It was found that the upper bound solutions of the critical supporting pressure increase with the growth of the nonlinear coefficient and pore water pressure coefficient. The collapse range of the tunnel face scales out with the increase in the nonlinear coefficient and shrinks with an increasing pore water pressure coefficient. Moreover, with the increase in the nonlinear coefficient, the impact strength on critical supporting pressure and collapse range declines gradually. According to the calculated results, both the pore water pressure and nonlinear criterion factors have negative impacts on the stability of the tunnel face. Thus, more attention should be paid to these parameters to ensure face stability in deep tunnel construction.

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