Stability analysis on tunnels with karst caves using the distinct lattice spring model

The effects of karst caves on tunnel stability were numerically investigated using the distinct lattice spring model (DLSM). The DLSM was validated by investigating the mechanical behavior of Brazilian discs with various sizes of central circular holes. Then, the effects of karst cave on U-shaped tunnel were investigated under various karst caves positions (top, bottom, and right side of the tunnel), tunnel-cave distances (0.5–4 times the radius of the tunnel arc), and cave shapes (circular, rectangular flat, and rectangular vertical caves). The failure processes of the tunnel under those various conditions were analyzed and both the failure process and the final failure patterns of the tunnel were discussed. Numerical simulation demonstrated that karst caves around the tunnel could weaken the stability of the tunnel, indicating tunnel-cave distance effects. The closer the cave to the tunnel, the weaker the tunnel under loading. This effect was not significant when the tunnel-cave distance (d) was larger than three times the tunnel arc radius (R). In addition, the final failure pattern of the tunnel and its surrounding rock mass were dependent on both the position and the size of the cave. The larger the cave, the weaker the tunnel and its surrounding rock mass. Furthermore, compared with those cases with top and bottom caves, the tunnel with a right side cave had more impacts on tunnel stability. The main research finding could help engineers carry out stability analysis on tunnels in karst areas and take effective measures to enhance tunnel stability.