Structural dynamic and stress wave models for the analysis of shotcrete on rock exposed to blasting

During blasting in tunnels and mines, the interaction between shotcrete (sprayed concrete) and rock is influenced by propagating stress waves. Shotcrete support in hard rock tunnels is studied here through numerical analysis using three different modelling approaches. The stress response in the shotcrete closest to the rock when exposed to P-waves striking perpendicularly to the shotcrete–rock interface is simulated. The first model tested is a structural dynamic model that consists of masses and spring elements. The second is a model built up with finite element beam elements interconnected with springs. The third is a one-dimensional elastic stress wave model. The models give comparable results, although the definition of the dynamic loads is different. The analysis results can be used to estimate whether the shotcrete will fail or not for a prescribed distance to detonating explosives inside the rock.

► We studied the stress response in the shotcrete closest to the rock, in the tunnel.
► Shotcrete exposed to waves striking perpendicularly to the shotcrete–rock interface.
► The mass-spring, the beam-spring and the elastic stress wave models were evaluated.
► The analysis results prescribed the distance to detonating explosives inside the rock.