Simplified longitudinal seismic response of tunnels linings subjected to surface waves

This paper presents an engineering approach for analysing the longitudinal behaviour of tunnels subjected to earthquakes. The tunnel is modelled as a Timoshenko beam connected to the far soil by means of continuous elastic support (Winkler model). Seismic free-field inputs, such as those caused by surface waves travelling parallel to the tunnel axis, were imposed at the base of the springs of the Winkler model, generating bending moments and shear forces on the cross-sections of the tunnel. Closed-form expressions of the tunnel displacements, shear forces, and bending moments were determined at any tunnel section in terms of the seismic excitation, tunnel geometry and material properties, and subgrade reaction modulus of the soil. A dimensional analysis was carried out to ascertain directly the maximum tunnel displacement, bending moment, and shear force.