Hoek-Brown criterion applied to circular tunnel using elastoplasticity and in situ axial stress

Based on the nonlinear Hoek-Brown failure criterion, elastoplastic analytical solutions are developed for the elastoplastic stresses, strains and plastic zones around a circular tunnel subjected to different value of the axial in situ stress. Effects of the transverse in situ stress, the axial in situ stress and the strength parameters of rock masses on the elastoplastic stresses, strains and plastic zones in the surrounding rock masses are investigated. It is found from the numerical results that the stresses, strains, and plastic zones in the surrounding rock depend not only on the transverse in situ stress but also on the axial in situ stress as well as the mechanical parameters of rock masses. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.