Comparative Structural Response of Single-Span and Two-Span Reinforced Concrete Tunnels under Lateral Loading

This study conducts a comparative numerical investigation into the structural behavior of single-span and two-span reinforced concrete tunnels subjected to lateral loading. Lateral forces, arising from factors such as seismic activity, soil pressure variations, or traffic-induced vibrations, pose a significant challenge to tunnel stability, often leading to complex stress distributions and deformations. Understanding how tunnel configuration influences response to these forces is crucial for resilient infrastructure design. The analysis employs a three-dimensional finite element methodology (ABAQUS), focusing on the concrete lining performance and comparing the stress concentrations, displacement patterns, and overall structural integrity of a standard single-span tunnel against a two-span configuration featuring an intermediate support. Preliminary results suggest that the intermediate support in the two-span design plays a critical role in mitigating the effects of lateral loads by providing additional stability and altering the mechanism of load transfer. This comparative assessment aims to elucidate the benefits of multi-span designs in enhancing tunnel resilience against lateral forces and to provide essential insights for optimizing future tunnel engineering practices.

کلیدواژه ها:

Single-span tunnel ، Concrete lining ، Finite element analysis (FEA)