Seismic Isolation of Tunnel Lining A Case Study of the Gavoshan Tunnel in the Morvarid Fault in IRAN

K. Keshvarian M.1, M. R. Chenaghlou2, M. Emami Tabrizi2, S. Vahdani 3

1 2

Mahab Ghods Consulting Engineering Company, Iran Civil Engineering Faculty, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran 3 Technical Faculty, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

ABSTRACT Strike slip faults are more wide spread around the world than the other kinds of faults. Therefore, huge structures such as dams, tunnels and power plants are more likely to meet these faults. When the fault is active, special treatment should be considered. In order to analyze the shape and amount of fault rupture effect on tunnel lining, it was necessary to build an accurate tunnel model. This case study concerns Gavoshan tunnel in west of Iran, which is a twenty kilometers, horseshoe shaped, water supply tunnel by 4.2 meters diameter. The tunnel crosses the Morvarid fault, which is an active strike slip. The Tunnel is modeled by Finite Element Method, using ANSYS software. First, the fault rupture has imposed and failure zone in lining and rock is calculated. In the second step, lining isolation is achieved by considering a gap between lining and rock mass. The last step is filling the gap with rubber-based material and study the effect of this material over lining behavior during earthquake. Finally, a suitable solution and some comments for the protection of lining in seismic zone are suggested.

1. INTRODUCTION Seismic isolation of tunnel lining has been investigated in the literature and some methods have been proposed [1, 2, 3]. Extra excavation and filling the gap between lining and rock with bituminous based material [1], using silicon based material as the gap filler, using soft back packing material [2], seismic isolation by improving the rock characteristics with consolidation grouting [3] are some of the features in which researchers have used. In above mentioned methods, the main challenge was to decrease the effect of earthquake propagating wave and fault rupture effect had been neglected. But there are limited studies on the fault rupture effects [2, 4]. In this paper, taking advantage of ASCE suggested procedures [4], lining behavior has been studied under fault rupture then effect of extra excavation for seismic isolation with and without the presence of rubber fillers, has been studied by accurate modeling. 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION In order to accurately study the fault rupture effect on concrete lining stability, a finite element numerical model was constructed according to one real situation. Because of different conditions and multiple choices available for analysis, finding an applicable and expandable form to common situations, was difficult. With attention to considerable amount of strike slip faults around the world

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in comparison with other kind of faults, a strike slip fault was chosen. Between general shapes of openings, a modified horseshoe section selected according to the type of rock mass and method of excavation. Gavoshan water supply Tunnel was chosen for study. This Tunnel passes through Sanandaj-Sirjan geological zone, which is one of the complicated tectonic structures in Iran. It pipes drinkable water to Kermanshah city. The tunnel passes through one of the young branches of Zagros fault that is called Morvarid. The Morvarid fault is strike slip and the fault zone length is about 120 meters. The connection zone of the tunnel and fault was considerably long to permit the lining to accommodate the huge amount of shear and displacement imposed by fault rupture. By these specifications this case has been chosen for modeling and analysis. 3. REQUIREMENTS OF MODELING THE LINING UNDER FAULT RUPTURE Stresses imposed by excavation and overburden dead load of rock, are supposed as initial condition of the problem, at rupture time. In order to calculate the initial stresses in different points of lining, the FLAC software is used. Type and characteristics of rock mass existing in tunnel passing through fault zone [5], is given in table (1). Table (1): Rock mass characteristics of Gavoshan tunnel in fault zone
Saturated Density (kg/m3) Dry Density (kg/m3) Cohesion (MPa) Angle of Internal Friction (Deg.) Poison Ratio Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) Rock Type

2720

2690

0.25

28

0.2

Limestone Shale

The rock mass in highly sheared area, because of alteration and numerous amounts of joints existing, can be represented as a continuum with equivalent rock mass properties [6]. One of the important factors in accurate estimation of stress distribution in rock is to synchronize the time of definition of rock supports in the model and real situation on site. In this case panes theory has been used [7]. Shotcrete and rock bolts of tunnels Support system have been considered in the modeling and after definition of support system, analysis has been continued to reach the balance point. In figure (1) the Finite Difference model made by FLAC (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of the Continua) is shown.

Crown

Spring Line

Figure 1: Under ground space using FLAC

Figure 2: Lining rupture modeled by SAP2000

In order to analyze the lining failure zones, Finite element method has been applied. Taking advantage of two continuous and discrete models, and using two different soft wares (Ansys and SAP2000 Nonlinear) the problem has been analyzed and compared. The discrete model is a three

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dimensional and made by combination of shell elements for lining and nonlinear links (springs) for rock mass by the aid of SAP2000 Nonlinear (Figure 2). The stiffness of springs are determined by applying a unit displacement along the same direction of spring stiffness to a 11 meter rock model. The continuous model is made using the ANSYS (figure 3) and by the solid elements for concrete lining and rock mass and contact elements for interaction between lining and rock. More details have been mentioned in research project [8].

Figure 3: Lining model under influence of fault rupture made by ANSYS In Figure 4a and 4b the results of two models (continuous and discrete) are shown at the invert, crown and spring line of lining. Comparison of two graphs shows good agreement in results of discrete and continuous model. The results of continuous model would be used as the base for seismic isolation study [8].

0.1

(m)
Rupture deformation of Lining

0.08

0.06

ux-invert
0.04

ux - crown ux - spring line

0.02

-0.02 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Tunnel length (m)

Figures 4a: Displacement curves in horizontal axis direction (x) along tunnel axis under effect of fault rupture, Analyzed by Sap2000 (Discrete model)

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1.00E-01

8.00E-02

Lining Rupture Deformation

6.00E-02

4.00E-02

(m)

UX - Spring line UX - Invert

2.00E-02

UX - Crown

0.00E+00 0 -2.00E-02 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

-4.00E-02

Tunnel length(m)

Figures 4b: Displacement curves in horizontal direction (x) along tunnel axis under effect of fault rupture, Analyzed by Ansys (Continuous model)

4. ANALYSIS THE COMPOSITE TUNNEL LINING

After determining the length of lining failed during rupture, the next step is to isolate tunnel lining in that segment. The main purpose of extra excavation is avoiding contact or development of direct pressure of lining over the rock, therefore the amount of extra excavation is a function of fault rupture rate (Figure 5). An alternate is to fill the gap between lining and rock by special rubber based material. The main reason for this job is to transmit the fault rupture energy. In first case (Gap) although lining is taken apart from rock in over excavated zone, but at the ending point of the extra excavation considerable amount of energy would be transmitted to the rock and this energy concentration could be very dangerous. In other side the stability of rock over the linings crown, when losses the second stage lining (at time of rupture displacement) would make problems. But using rubber isolators (Figure 6), gradual transmission of energy and forces are occurred.

Figure 5: GAP Isolated model

Figure 6: Rubber isolated model

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5. MODELING THE TUNNEL

5.1 Loading In addition to dead load related with over burden rock load and induced stresses resulting from excavation, which computed by FLAC, another load is the seismic load induced by fault rupture. Taking advantage from Wells and Coppersmith suggested relations [9]; the amount of fault displacement is calculated according to geological situation of the project. Earthquake hazard potential of site region has been reported 6.4 Richters. According to fault type, the maximum probable displacement is 18 centimeters, which occurs strike slip. The fault rupture is applied to model in displacement control method, because considering the displacement control method. According to the symmetric nature of problem half of the real form of the structure is modeled. 5.2 Elements The solid material such as Rock, Shotcrete and Concrete are modeled by solid elements. The following assumptions have been made for the modeling of material and element. 1-The Dracker Prager behavior parameter is chosen for modeling of rock mass behavior. 2-The Mooney Rivelin rules are applied for defining the rubber based material behavior. 3-Lining and rock interaction is modeled by the aid of contact elements and surface to surface contact type which is one of the most accurate kinds of contact analysis methods. In tables 2 and 3 Behavior parameters belonging to concrete and steel reinforcement are shown. Rubber material specification is reported in Table 4. Table 2: Reinforced concrete behavior parameters
Compressive Strength Reinforced Concrete Unit Weight Unreinforced Concrete Unit Weight Poisson Ratio

25 Mpa

24 kN/m

23 kN/m3

0.17

Table 3: Reinforcement characteristics

Allowable Stress Ultimate Stress Yield Stress Steel Type

160 Mpa

500 Mpa

300 Mpa

A-II

Table 4: Rubber material specifications

Density Shear Modulus Poisson Ratio Mooney Rivelin First Constant Mooney Rivelin Second Constant

590 kg/m3

940 kPa

0.49

293 kPa

177 kPa

5.3 Modeling the gap between lining and rock In the first step the length of the failed lining during fault rupture is predicted. Then equal to the same length a gap between rock and lining according to the strike slip fault movement is considered. Considering theses parameters diameter of extra excavation in model was chosen one meter more than outer diameter of the lining (Figure 5).

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5.4 Modeling the gap isolator filled with rubber material Different cases have been considered for investigation as follows: 1- Thin long rubber coating with 1.2 meters thickness and 20 meters length, (Figure 7). 2- Thick long rubber coating, with 4 meters of thickness and 20 meters length, (Figure 8). 3- Thick short rubber coating, with 4 meters thickness and 12 meters length, (Figure 6). Above mentioned assumptions have been used in the modeling separately.
1
4
4

4
4
3
3
3

4
4
45 1 5 1 51

5 5

5 1 51 5 65 1

4
3

3
6

4
4

5 56 1 6 6 5 4 1 6 1 1 6 6 1 6 1 51 6 3 1 6 4 6 5 61 6 1 3 6 5 6 61 6 1 4 3 6 5 6 61 1 6 3 51 6 1 4 6 6 6 5 1 5 6 3 6 6 1 56 1 6 4 5 6 6 1 3 6 66 6 1 6 6 1 6 6 6 4 61 3 6 6 6 1 6 6 6 3 6 4 6 6 3 6 4 3 6 4 3 3 4 4
6
6
6

5 5 61 5 51 6 4 5 5 5 5 61 6 61 5 1 5 5 5 6 5 51 5 1 5 6 6 5 5 6 4 6 5 1 6 1 6 65 1 51 5 5 6 5 6 5 6 3 5 6 1 1 6 61 5 1 6 5 1 5 6 6 5 4 6 5 5 65 5 5 1 6 1 61 6 1 5 1 6 6 5 6 5 4 65 1 6 5 5 1 65 61 5 3 6 1 5 1 6 6 5 5 61 1 5 6 6 5 65 5 5 6 1 1 6 5 1 6 5 1 5 6 6 1 5 6 1 6 6 566 5 65 5 13 5 6 5 4 6 5 1 5 4 65 5 1 6 6 1 6 1 5 1 5 6 65 1 5 6 6 1 5 6 6 5 5 6 6 1 5 3 6 6 5 11 5 65 6 1 4 6 6 6 1 5 1 5 16 6 3 6 5 5 61 6 6 6 6 5 6 1 6 1 6 3 6 6 1 6 4 6 6 4 1 6 6 6 66 6 6 6 3 6 6 6 6 3 4 6 6 6 66 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4
3

5 5 5 14 5 1 51 3

5 65 1

5 5 61 5 61 5 61 5 1 5 6 5 6 1 6 5

1
4

4
4
4
424 3 4 24

4
4
5
5
5

3 4 3 4 24

2 2

32 2 4 34 2
3

3 22 4

4
5

5
5

5 2 5 5 35 4 5 3 5 4 44 5 5 4 5 4 24 5 4 5 3 24 5 4

4
5

5 4 5 4 5

3 24

4
4
4
4

55 4

4
4 4

4 55 5 55 4 54 5 55 5 5 5 4 5 5 54 5 5 54 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 4 5

3 24 34 2 3 4 3 23 2 4 3 2

4
4

4
4
4
4

4
4

4
4

i f

li

th

4 k

Analysis of a reinforced concrete lining in the rock mass

3 24 3 3 2 2 34 2 2 2 3 44 2 2 4 3 34 4 4 2 3 2 3 24 3 3 4 4 2 3 5 23 5 3 3 34 2 4 3 2 3 23 3 4 2 4 4 23 4 34 5 53 3 2 3 2 24 3 5 3 5 2 4 3 4 4 5 2 3 3 4 2 4 3 23 2 5 3 2 4 3 3 2 4 24 5 2 3 4 2 5 3 4 23 2 4 3 54 3 4 2 2 3 3 5 2 4 3 4 2 3 3 4 3 2 5 5 3 23 52 4 2 4 3 3 2 4 2 3 4 2 3 4 3 2 23 4 3 23 2 2 2 4 55 5 2 2 3 3 2 5 3 4 4 2 3 4 3 4 23 2 3 4 2 4 55 2 3 2 4 3 24 53 32 4 2 2 3 23 4 2 5 3 3 5 2 4 5 2 3 44 3 52 23 5 4 2 4 5 4 3 4 3 4 2 5 5 2 5 2 35 5 54 5 4 3 2 3 4 5 5 5 4 5 5 55 5 4 4 4 5 5 5 55 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 5 55 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 4 4
5

34 2 34 2 3 4 3 23 2 4 2 3

Figure 7: Isolated lining, Case 1(thin, long)

Figure 8: Isolated lining, Case 2(thick, long)

6. RESULTS
Having the results of analysis, shear forces and flexural moment existing in sections of four cases of isolated lining and one case of unprotected lining are compared. The points, which are monitored in tunnel section, start from right spring line of Tunnel and by clockwise rotation passes through other points of invert and crown. Distribution of shear force and flexural moment applied to the section, which is under effect of fault rupture, are shown in Figures 9 to 10

270 o 180
60000

50000

90 o

(kN)

40000

Without isolation Gap Isolation Thin Long Isolator Thick Short Isolator

Shear Force

30000 20000

Thick Long Isolator

10000

0 0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Tunnel Section Clockwise (Deg.)

Figure 9: Shear force in different cases

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270 o 180
300 200 100 0 0 50

90 o

(kN.m)

Without isolatio 150 200 250 300

100

Gap Isolation

Moment

-100 -200 -300 -400 -500

Thin Long Isola

Thick Short Iso Thick Long Isol

Tunnel Section Clockwise

Figure 10: Distribution of flexural moment in five cases In Figures 10, the axial force and flexural moment reach to the maximum amount in spring line, but Figure 9 shows that the maximum of shear force are appeared in crown and invert of tunnel. Overall result of Figures 9 and 10 shows that relative to unprotected case, the thick long rubber coating shows the most efficient force reduction and in this condition the minimum stress exists in the tunnel section. Amount of stresses in the lining sections satisfy ACI 318 provisions.

7. LINING DISPLACEMENTS DURING FAULT RUPTURE In this section lateral displacement of lining parallel to fault rupture direction vector in all the length of tunnel is monitored (Figure 11). In order to analyze that does the strike slip nature of fault impose the displacement in shear direction, therefore in this section the displacement in lining and rock at the point, which the spring line is under contact pressure by rock, is monitored (Figure 12). Figure 11 and 12 show that the least amount of displacement in lining and rock occurs at the time of using the thick long rubber.

1.00E-01

8.00E-02

6.00E-02

Lining Displacement

(m)

Without isolation 4.00E-02 Gap Isolation Thin Long Rubber Isolator 2.00E-02 Thick Short Rubber Isolator Thick Long Rubber Isolator 0.00E+00 0 -2.00E-02 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

-4.00E-02

Tunnel length(m)

Figure 11: Displacement in lining imposed by fault rupture in spring line

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Transfered Displacement into Rock in Different Isolator Types

3.50E-02 3.00E-02 2.50E-02 Bare Tunnel 2.00E-02 1.50E-02 1.00E-02 5.00E-03 0.00E+00 0 -5.00E-03 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Lining Displacement

(m)

Gap Isolation

Thick Long Rubber

Thick short Rubber Thin Long Rubber

Tunnel Lenght (m)

Figure 12: Displacement in rock imposed by fault rupture in spring line

8. CONCLUSION
Composite linings of rubber and concrete, in case of suitable design and execution can efficiently absorb the energy released by Earthquakes. It is possible to reduce considerably the effect of earthquakes using rubber isolators between lining and rock. The results of investigations for the design of Gavoshan tunnel in crossing point by MORVARID Fault, extra excavation by 4 meters width and 20 meters long and injection of rubber material between rock and lining is suggested.

REFERENCES
ASCE, 2001, Seismic Design of Underground Nuclear Waste Repositories. Bouvard-leconet A. & Colombet G. & Esteulle F., 1993, Ouvrages souterrains: conception-realistionentretien, France; [translated by Behnia, A. H.; 1998, Tehran university pub., Iran]. Brown E.T., 1987, Analytical and computational methods in engineering rock mechanics, Allen & Unwin Ltd, London, UK. Keshvarian K., 2003, Seismic isolation of tunnels, M.Sc. thesis, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran. Kim & Konagai, 2001, Seismic Isolation of Tunnels Covered with Coating Material, Tunneling and under Ground Space Technology, Vol.15, No.4. Kojima K. & Kawabata A., 2001,Optimization of Soil Improvement For Seismic Isolation Design of Urban Tunnels, Modern Tunneling Science and Technology, Japan. Mahab ghodss consulting engineers, 1997, Second phase study of Gavoshan water conveyance tunnel and related access tunnels, Geological and Rock mechanics Report. Wang J.N., 1993, Seismic Design of Tunnels, Parsons Brinckerhoff Inc, New York. Wells and Coppersmith, 1994, Assessment Fault Rupture Hazard, BSSA.

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