<p>Axial Chain Rockbursts (ACRs), characterized by repetitive occurrence, significantly threaten tunneling safety and efficiency. The geological triggers, occurrence mechanism, and evolution patterns of ACRs remain unclear, challenging prediction of intensity and spatial distribution. Through the inversion of the 3D <i>in situ</i> stress field, geological surveys, microseismic (MS) monitoring, numerical analysis, and true triaxial compression tests, the mechanisms and evolution of ACRs were revealed. ACRs are more likely to occur when stress concentration zones in the rock align with structural planes. These planes have a dip angle similar to the direction of the major principal stress and are either parallel or at a small angle to the tunnel. Before the excavation of the ACRs zone, dynamic disturbances induced by drilling and blasting (D&amp;B) excavation cause fractures ahead of the working faces. Numerical results also indicate that, under blasting effects, plastic failure develops near structural planes ahead of the working faces. Post-excavation, the major principal stress in ACRs zones doubles compared to non-rockburst zones. Intermediate principal stress increases at structural plane tips but decreases in the middle. Under these conditions, the surrounding rock in the ACRs zone becomes more brittle and prone to rockburst-induced failure. Under true triaxial compression tests, fractures parallel to <i>σ</i>₃ maintain rock strength comparable to intact specimens, whereas angled planes reduce strength by 15–17%. The presence of fractures also reduces the ability to store energy of rock, with the maximum elastic strain energy (<i>U</i>e) dropping to 68% of the intact rock value. These findings are significant for tunnel excavations in regions with intense tectonic movements and deep underground conditions, supporting safe excavation practices.</p>