Project Info


Development of an analytical solution for ground and tunnel interaction

Reza Hedayat | hedayat@mines.edu

In order to analyze a tunnel, it is essential to understand the various rock mass behaviors after an excavation. The original properties of a rock or rock mass near a tunnel are changed after the excavation. The excavation impact (e.g. due to blasting, TBM drilling, etc.) induces an excavation damaged or disturbed zone around a tunnel. In this regard, in drill and blast method, the damage to the rock mass is more significant. In this zone, the stiffness and strength parameters of the surrounding rock mass are different. The real effect of a damage zone developed by an excavation impact around a tunnel, and its influence on the overall response of the tunnel is of interest to be quantified. This topic is very unique yet practical and has high potentials for preparation of a journal paper/conference presentation.

More Information

“Carranza-Torres, C. 2004. Elasto-plastic solution of tunnel problems using the generalized form of the Hoek–Brown failure criterion. Int. J Rock Mech. Min. Sci. 41(3), 480-481.
Hedayat, A. 2016. Stability of circular tunnels excavated in rock masses under gravity loading. Proceedings of the 50th US Rock Mechanics Symposium, Houston, June 26-June 29.
Zhang, Y., Lu, W., Yan, P., Chen, M., Yang, J. 2017. A method to identify Blasting-Induced Damage Zones in rock masses based on the P-wave rise time. Geotechnical Testing Journal, 41(1): 31-42.”

Grand Engineering Challenge: Restore and improve urban infrastructure

Student Preparation


Qualifications

Familiar with Excel and Matlab (optional)

Time Commitment

20 hours/month

Skills/Techniques Gained

Analytical problem solving skill, Literature review experience, technical writing, professional journal paper writing and conference presentation

Mentoring Plan

With regular weekly meetings and close collaboration of the student with my research group