Shaking table test on a segmental tunnel crossing strike-slip active fault
Shaking table test on a segmental tunnel crossing strike-slip active fault
Mountain tunnels traversing active faults face significant damage risks due to the complex coupling effect of ground motion and coseismic dislocation. However, existing physical model tests have been limited to investigating ground motion or dislocation individually, or their sequential application, leaving a critical gap in understanding their simultaneous coupling effect. To address this, we conducted an innovative model test using a specially developed multi-layer linkage coupling device integrated with Tongji University's multi-point shaking table system. This setup enables the synchronous application of seismic shaking and fault dislocation. The scaled model satisfies similitude relations for both ground-tunnel relative stiffness and strength. The model tunnel, fabricated with custom formwork, accurately replicates the three-center arch circle section, segmental joints, and longitudinal joint stiffness reductions. Testing commenced with a free-field model to characterize ground response and fault rupture propagation using optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) sensing. Subsequently, the ground-tunnel model test focused on soil-structure interaction, tunnel dynamic response and alignment, and lining/joint deformations. This study provides a basis for assessing tunnel performance under simultaneous seismic and fault dislocation conditions.
Huihui Hu; Shuo Li; Haitao Yu
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Special Session 1: Physical modelling – from Practice/Industry to Academia
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-197