Abstract:

The study of the seismic behavior of tunnels has become a major concern for geotechnicians in recent years, especially after the collapse of the many underground structures around the world, constructed in soft ground at shallow depths. Several studies focused on the distortion of the tunnel cross section caused by shear waves which propagate vertically to the tunnel axis. However, the study of the tunnel seismic response to the compression waves which propagate parallel to the axis of the tunnel is almost neglected. These compression waves can cause a serious axial and bending deformation in the tunnel lining. Therefore, this paper aims to present a numerical analysis of part of the T1 tunnel of the Algerian East-West Highway, in the province of Constantine, that suffered a very significant damage caused by a sudden collapse. The goal is to demonstrate the influence of seismic waves of compression as well …

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