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An approach to analyzing the reliability of tunnel surrounding rock rating results considering uncertainty

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Abstract

The geological environment of underground engineering is complex and full of various uncertainties, and ensuring the reliability of tunnel surrounding rock rating results is crucial for projects. In this study, we first analyze the interrelationships and indicator weights of international mainstream rating methods of tunnel surrounding rock, and summarize the applicability of each method. Next, based on dialectical materialism, we propose that the uncertainties can be divided into multiple levels. Then we analyze the probability distribution law of rating indicators such as rock strength and rock integrity, introduce and use the theory of system reliability analysis, and build functions for the surrounding rocks of different classes. Finally we calculate the reliability probability of surrounding rock rating using Monte Carlo method. The study results indicate that, in view of the uncertainty of surrounding rock rating, the proposed approach fully considers the information of each rating method, and also the data dispersion of local fractured zones, weak interlayers and other tunnel face surrounding rock. Moreover, based on the parameters summary, the proposed approach is proved to be applicable to the current rock mass, and thus makes it possible to evaluate the reliability probability of the tunnel surrounding rock rating. This study helps site personnel to assess surrounding rock rating results more conveniently and accurately, and provides precise guidance for reasonably determining the construction method transition interval and optimizing support parameters.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 52079077] and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2022M711962)

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Author notes

  1. These authors contributed work equally and should be regarded as co-first authors.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Civil Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266590, China

    Peng He, Si-chen Feng, Feng Jiang, Gang Wang, Zhi-yong Xiao, Yan Chen & Cheng-cheng Zheng

  2. College of Civil Engineering, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou, 350118, China

    Gang Wang

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  1. Peng He
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Contributions

Feng Jiang contributed to conception and design of the study. Feng Jiang, Peng He, Sichen Feng,Gang Wang, Zhiyong Xiao, Yan Chen and Chengcheng Zheng organised the database. Peng He, Sichen Feng and Feng Jiang performed the statistical analysis. Peng He, Sichen Feng and Feng Jiang wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Feng Jiang,Gang Wang and Yan Chen wrote sections of the manuscript. All authors contributed to manuscript revision, read, and approved the submitted version.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Feng Jiang.

Additional information

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant No. 52079077] and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2022M711962)

Peng He (1988–), male, from Laiwu, Shandong Province, PhD, Associate Professor, mainly engaged in stability analysis, dynamic evaluation and control research of tunnel rock mass structure. E-mail: hepenghank@163.com.

Sichen Feng (1997-),female, from Cangzhou, Hebei Province, M.Sc. student, mainly Research on tunnel mechanics and underground engineering disaster prevention and control. E mail: 1558610035@qq.com

Feng Jiang (1995–), male, from Jining, Shandong Province, PhD student, mainly Research on deep rock mechanics and underground engineering disaster prevention and control. E mail: jfnjzy@163.com

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He, P., Feng, Sc., Jiang, F. et al. An approach to analyzing the reliability of tunnel surrounding rock rating results considering uncertainty. Appl. Geophys. 20, 642–667 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11770-023-1047-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11770-023-1047-6

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