Simple Equations for Estimating the Large Convergence and the Longitudinal Displacement Profile of a Tunnel

This paper presents a modified relationship between small and large strain convergence by applying a small (residual) dilation angle, which behaves accurately for rock mass with the strain-softening behavior and complex dilatancy model. The modified relationship extends its applicability to a more general two- and three-dimensional excavation problems than previous study, irrespective of the constitutive behavior and rock dilatancy. On this basis, the longitudinal displacement profile (LDP) considering finite-strain is proposed, which can be corrected simply from the small strain analysis or obtained according to the actual parameters related to large deformation. The capability of the finite-strain LDP for estimating large convergences during tunnel advancement is verified by several comparisons with the existing numerical simulation and theoretical analysis results. The developed finite-strain LDP is promising to improve the convergence − confinement method when it applied to the rock-support interaction analysis in problems involving large deformation. The applicability of the displacement-release coefficient obtained from the small strain analysis for quantifying the stress relief to squeezing ground conditions is also investigated.