Abstract Coseismic surface rupture displacement is the key influential factor for shear failure and collapse in tunnels. This paper systematically summarizes the statistical empirical relationships of the characteristic parameters of coseismic surface ruptures, and compares and analyzes the seismic damages inflicted upon a tunnel by the Wenchuan Earthquake. The results show that: (1) the surface rupture length and the maximum and average coseismic rupture displacements are the main parameters directly related to the aseismic design of a tunnel, of which surface rupture length mainly reflects the influence range of shear displacement; (2) in seismic tunnel design, the average coseismic rupture displacement can be used to estimate the degree of damage to an underground structure considering the relative position of the tunnel, the main deep-and-large faults, and the affiliated faults; (3) the subsurface rupture length, downdip rupture width, and rupture area can be used to estimate the influence range of an earthquake and the possible losses due to tunnel damage; and (4) coseismic displacement may also occur at an affiliated fault near a seismogenic fault, resulting in damages to the underground structure and tunnel.
Abstract:
Coseismic surface rupture displacement is the key influential factor for shear failure and collapse in tunnels. This paper systematically summarizes the statistical empirical relationships of the characteristic parameters of coseismic surface ruptures, and compares and analyzes the seismic damages inflicted upon a tunnel by the Wenchuan Earthquake. The results show that: (1) the surface rupture length and the maximum and average coseismic rupture displacements are the main parameters directly related to the aseismic design of a tunnel, of which surface rupture length mainly reflects the influence range of shear displacement; (2) in seismic tunnel design, the average coseismic rupture displacement can be used to estimate the degree of damage to an underground structure considering the relative position of the tunnel, the main deep-and-large faults, and the affiliated faults; (3) the subsurface rupture length, downdip rupture width, and rupture area can be used to estimate the influence range of an earthquake and the possible losses due to tunnel damage; and (4) coseismic displacement may also occur at an affiliated fault near a seismogenic fault, resulting in damages to the underground structure and tunnel.