Simplified transverse seismic analysis of buried structures

This paper presents a simplified method for the analysis of square cross-section buried structures (tunnel) subjected to seismic motion. Finite element analyses are performed to assess the fundamental modes of vibration of the soil layer with and without the tunnel. The influence of the tunnel on the modes of vibrations is taken into account by comparing the modal deformations in the free-field to those in the presence of the tunnel. From this comparison the zone of influence of the modal displacements due to the presence of the structure is determined. The resulting model is subjected to horizontal and vertical excitation of statistically independent accelerograms compatible with the response spectra of the Regulatory Guide 1.6 of the Nuclear Energy Commission. The free-field displacement is introduced at the boundaries of the zone of influence. The proposed simplified static analysis yields a state of stresses similar to that obtained from a full dynamic analysis of the complete soil–tunnel system. Several examples are solved to corroborate the validity of the method.