Assessment of a Concealed Karst Cave’s Influence on Karst Tunnel Stability: A Case Study of the Huaguoshan Tunnel, China

Xin Huang, Shucai Li, Zhenhao Xu, Ming Guo and Yucheng Chen
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Xin Huang: Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Shucai Li: Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Zhenhao Xu: Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
Ming Guo: China Railway Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou 450001, China
Yucheng Chen: E-Xi Expressway Construction Headquarters of Hubei Province, Enshi 445000, China

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 7, 1-26

Abstract: In order to assess a concealed karst cave’s influence on karst tunnel stability, an assessment model is proposed based on the analytic hierarchy process and a statistical analysis of relevant engineering projects. Major factors are studied and selected as impact factors of the assessment model based on a statistical analysis on a karst cave’ s development conditions (karst hydrogeological and engineering geological conditions), construction conditions, and controlling measures. A weight analysis of factors shows that the surrounding rock grade, supporting measurement, formation lithology, unfavorable geology, construction methods, blasting techniques, advanced geological forecast, and groundwater level are the main controlling factors of the tunnel stability when there is a concealed karst cave in the tunnel. Topography and geomorphology, attitude of rocks, monitoring measurement, strata combination, and interlayer fissures are the minor influence factors. Tunnel section shapes, in situ stress, and geological logging are the least important factors. The proposed method is successfully applied to the assessment of a concealed karst cave’s influence on the stability of the Huaguoshan Tunnel on the Enshi-Laifeng and Enshi-Qianjiang Expressways. The evaluation result agrees well with the construction site situation. In addition, the result provides good guidance with respect to the implementation of the treatment scheme and effectively avoids accidents in real-time.

Keywords: tunnel engineering; concealed karst cave; analytic hierarchy process method; factors’ weight; stability assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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