Optimum model extent for numerical simulation of tunnel inflow in fractured rock

•Introduction of an optimum model domain extent chart using numerical simulation.•Optimum model extent is applicable in discontinuous rock for tunnel inflow assessment.•Mentioned chart allows modelers a quick determination of the optimum model extent.•The optimum dimension is determined as a function of the most significant parameters.

The objective of this study is the introduction of an optimum model extent in discontinuous rock masses for tunnel inflow assessment using numerical models. Tunnel groundwater inflow is an important problem in tunneling, and numerical simulation is widely used for estimating the amount of tunnel inflow. An adequate size of the model domain is of very high importance when using such models. On the one hand, if the tunnel boundary is too close to the outer model boundary, the simulated inflow rate into the tunnel is significantly overestimated (which will be shown in the present study). On the other hand, if the model domain is very large, models may become “unhandy”, and simulations become very expensive with respect to computer memory and CPU. In this technical note, an approach is presented that derives an optimum model extent for numerical simulation of tunnel inflow in fractured rock. The approach uses the two-dimensional universal distinct element code (UDEC). The impact of different model parameters, such as tunnel radius, groundwater level, joint spacing, joint dip/dip direction and joint aperture on the optimum model extent has been evaluated. Based on the results, an optimum model extent chart is presented that allows modelers a quick determination of the optimum model extent as a function of the most significant parameters, which are the tunnel depth under the groundwater level, tunnel radius and joint spacing.