Dynamic Response of Shallow-Buried Tunnels Traversing High Loess Slopes

Considering the existence of numerous shallow-buried tunnels traversing high slopes in the loess area in western China and the fact of high seismic intensity there, we investigate the dynamic response rules of a shallow-buried loess tunnel and its slope under the action of seismic waves with different intensities. Through large-scale shaking table model tests,we successfully analyze the characteristics and process of the destabilization of tunnels and slopes, and propose valuable suggestions regarding the reinforcement parts of a tunnel for reducing seismic damage. The results show that the main seismic damage on a slope include the failure of the sliding surface between the top and foot and the stripping of the soil around the tunnel entrance, while the damage on a tunnel is mainly manifested as the seismic-induced subsidence at the portal section and the cracking deformation at the joint areas. Finally,we propose that the "staggered peak distribution" phenomenon of the maximum acceleration values at the vault and inverted arch area can be considered as a criterion indicating that the tunnel enters into the threshold of dynamic failure.