Influence of stress path on tunnel excavation response - Numerical tool selection and modeling strategy

The actual stress path in a rock mass during tunnel excavation is complex. To capture the correct tunnel excavation response, it is important to correctly resemble the stress path in situ in the numerical tools. FLAC and Phase2 are two powerful two-dimensional continuum codes for modeling soil, rock, and structural behavior, in the fields of geotechnical, geomechanics and in civil and mining engineering. FLAC is based on explicit finite difference formulation while Phase2 is based on implicit finite element formulation. When the two codes are applied to the analysis of tunnel excavation problems, difference in results might occur simply due to the different formulation methodologies used in these codes. It is shown that for linear elastic tunnel excavation problems, both codes provide the same result because stress path is unimportant. For tunnel excavation in elasto-plastic materials using long-round drill and blast method, there is significant difference in terms of yielding zone distribution by the two codes if conventional modeling approach is used, especially when the rock strength is low relative to the in situ stress magnitude. The mechanism of the difference is investigated and recommendation provided for choosing appropriate tools and modeling strategies for tunnel excavation problems. The importance of honoring the true stress path in tunnel excavation response simulation is illustrated using a few examples. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.