Assessment of field displacement for implications of support design in tunneling

In tunnel engineering, accurately predicting displacement in jointed rock masses is crucial for stability and safety. Analytical and numerical methods are commonly used to evaluate tunnel wall displacement and the effectiveness of support systems. Duncan-Fama and Carranza-Torres solutions have been employed to predict tunnel wall displacement using the ground reaction curve, both before and after support installation. A significant difference in tunnel wall displacement were observed between the two methods when the support was applied. The numerical method yielded lower displacement values compared to the analytical method. The pullout test shows the rock bolts’ effective stress distribution and stability, evident through their linear stress-displacement relationship and significant yield strength expansion. The integration of both analytical and numerical methods allows for a comprehensive understanding of displacement behavior, enhancing the design and implementation of effective support systems in tunnel engineering.