Numerical study on failure mechanism of tunnel in jointed rock mass

During underground excavation many surrounding rock failures have close relationship with joints. The stability study on tunnel in jointed rock mass is of importance to rock engineering, especially tunneling and underground space development. In this paper, a numerical code called RFPA was used to study the influence of different dip angle of layered joints and the lateral pressure coefficient on the stability of tunnel in jointed rock mass. Numerical analysis indicated that both the dip angle of joints and the lateral pressure coefficient have significant impacts on the failure mode and displacement characters of tunnel. The progressive failure processes of tunnel in jointed rock mass were presented and the mechanisms were discussed. The applicable condition of geographical method by Goodman is also discussed. These results offer a guideline in support design.