Numerical simulation and parametric analysis on a shallow tunnel in liquefiable ground subject to multiple shakings

• Published in: Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering (1984) Vol. 183; p. 108802
• Main Authors: Zhang, Jinghua, Bilotta, Emilio, Sun, Qing, Yuan, Yong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2024
• Subjects: Liquefaction; Multiple shakings; Numerical modelling; Tunnel; Tunnel; Liquefaction; Multiple shakings; Numerical modelling
• ISSN: 0267-7261; 1879-341X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2024.108802

In active earthquake zones, it is very likely that the structures would experience multiple shakings in major seismic events. For underground structures, the soil-structure interactions and the resultant dynamic responses could vary significantly according to the characteristics of the shakings. In this paper, the scenario of a shallow tunnel in liquefiable ground subject to multiple shakings is studied. The OpenSees platform and the PM4Sand constitutive model are employed to construct a plane-strain numerical model, where a rectangular tunnel is buried in saturated Hostun sand. Its validity is verified by the data from a centrifuge test of four consecutive shakings. The numerical soil-structure system is then configured for further investigation on the subject matter. Firstly, the liquefaction-induced uplift is identified as the main threat to the integrity of the tunnel in a seismic event of multiple shakings. Then, the pertinent soil-structure interactions are intensely discussed in a parametric analysis considering the influences of the permeability coefficient, the tunnel self-weight, and the shaking sequence. •A centrifuge test on tunnel in liquefiable soil under multiple shakings is numerically modelled.•Liquefaction-induced uplift is identified as the main threat to the tunnel in such occasion.•The uplift under multiple shakings is intensely discussed in a parametric analysis.