Response Characteristics and Safety Criterion of Double-Arch Tunnel Under Blast-Induced Disturbance from New Tunnel Excavation

Blast-induced vibrations from newly constructed tunnels may adversely affect adjacent existing tunnel structures. To ensure the safety of the existing tunnel, it is essential to investigate its dynamic response under blast disturbances. Based on an expansion project for a highway double-arch tunnel, this study employed the dynamic finite element program LS-DYNA to analyze the vibration velocity and effective stress in the tunnel lining subjected to blast vibrations. The distribution characteristics of vibration velocity and effective stress at different locations of tunnel lining were obtained. A relationship model between the peak particle velocity (PPV) and effective stress was established. According to the maximum tensile stress theory, a safety criterion based on vibration velocity was determined. To facilitate field monitoring, a correlation between the vibration velocity at the arch waist and foot was established, leading to a proposed safety threshold for the arch foot vibration velocity. Furthermore, a statistical relationship was developed between the charge weight per hole in the upper bench cut and the vibration velocity at the arch foot to guide blasting design. Using the arch foot vibration velocity as the safety standard, the maximum permissible charge weight to ensure the structural safety of the existing tunnel was recommended.