Seismic Response Mechanism of Near Fault Tunnel: Theoretical Analysis and Shaking Table Test

The presence of faults can significantly impact the propagation and evolution of stress waves, making it crucial to study them for seismic safety designs of underground tunnels. In this paper, the propagation mechanism of stress waves across faults was analyzed using the momentum conservation theory and continuum theory. The propagation model of two-dimensional elastic-plastic stress wave was derived. The shaking table model test of near fault tunnel was carried out. The results indicate a strong correlation between the experimental and theoretical values, as both were well-fitted to the peak point of the acceleration time-history curve. Error analysis was conducted using Pearson’s coefficient of contingence, comparing the peak points of the test curve and theoretical curve. The data from both groups showed a significant correlation. According to experimental verification and error analysis, the theoretical model was capable of accurately reflecting the propagation and evolution mechanism of seismic waves in faults. These results can serve as a valuable reference for seismic design of near fault tunnels.