ABSTRACT:

Selecting an optimal tunnel support system is still difficult in weak rock and high stress environments. Using field results combined with numerical modelling and analytical analysis from the Daliang railway tunnel in West China, this paper examines the economic and mechanical performance of four different rigid and flexible support systems. These systems were (i) lattice girder with shotcrete, (ii) lattice girder with shotcrete and additional steel ribs, (iii) steel fibre reinforced shotcrete (SFRS) and (iv) multi-layers of steel arches. Our analysis shows that despite the traditional multi-steel arch system being the most expensive and the most time-consuming to install, it is appropriate for circumstances requiring immediate control of deformations. Generally, however, SFRS is found to be most appropriate, being not as expensive as owners believed and offering signifcnat strength at large deformations.

Keywords:
structural geology, steel rib, lattice girder, reservoir geomechanics, girder shotcrete, strength, shotcrete, rock mass, Reservoir Characterization, Engineering
Subjects:
Reservoir Characterization, Exploration, development, structural geology, Reservoir geomechanics
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2018. American Rock Mechanics Association
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