Numerical simulation of fault-induced rockburst failure patterns in tunnels

Understanding fault-induced rockburst mechanisms is critical for deep tunnel safety under excavation. This study employs RFPA2D finite element software to investigate how fault inclination controls tunnel rockburst behavior. Numerical simulations analyzing stress evolution process and acoustic emission patterns. Results reveal that fault inclination critically controls failure patterns. Acoustic emission analysis shows tensile-dominated failure in surrounding rock with significant shear failure near the fault, where vertical tensile cracks propagate upward to connect with the structural plane. The simulated failure patterns strongly correlate with in-situ rockburst characteristics, confirming that fault inclination is a key factor controlling both the location and severity of tunnel rockbursts. These findings provide theoretical guidance for predicting and mitigating fault-induced rockburst disasters in deep tunnels under complex geological conditions.