3D numerical investigation of segmental tunnels performance crossing a dip-slip fault

This paper numerically investigates the effects of a dip-slip fault (a normal or a reverse fault) movement on a segmental tunnel which transversely crosses either of this kind of faults. After calibration of the numerical model with results from literature of centrifuge physical tests, a parametric study is conducted to evaluate the effects of various parameters such as the granular soil properties, the fault dip angle, the segments thickness, and their connections stiffnesses on the tunnel performance. The results are presented and discussed in terms of the ground surface and tunnel displacements along the longitudinal axis for each case of faulting. The gradient of displacements and deformations of the tunnel cross section are also analyzed. It is shown that when the fault dip angle becomes greater, the tunnel and ground surface displacements are smaller, in the case of reverse faulting. For this type of fault offset, increasing the tunnel buried depth causes tunnel displacements as well as ground surface settlements to enhance which should be considered in the design.