Centrifuge and 3D FEM Modeling of the Effect of Tunneling in Fault Zone in Reverse Fault-Foundation Interaction

چکیده مقاله

The presence of underground structures within fault zones has the potential to alter deformation patterns on the ground surface, thereby placing existing structures—typically regarded as safe—at risk. This paper presents findings from four centrifuge model tests and 3D numerical simulations exploring the effects of tunneling in fault zones. This study investigated the values associated with foundation rotation, surface deformations, and the patterns of fault rupture propagation through various soil strata. The results demonstrate that the presence of a tunnel alters the interaction pattern between fault rupture and foundation systems, which can lead to an increase in foundation rotation. Notably, the findings indicate that a precise consideration of superstructure shape can enhance foundation rotation by up to 23%. Furthermore, the presence of a tunnel in the fault zone causes substructures to endure major damage from vertical fault displacements exceeding 0.6 m. In contrast, these substructures experienced similar levels of damage at vertical fault displacements of 1.7 m in the absence of tunnels.