Pub Date : 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107500
Ke Wu, Lei Liu, Mingjian Yin, Kai Zhu, Xin Zhang, Guannan Wang, Tianhang Zhang
With the increasing construction of inclined tunnels, evaluating fire-induced thermal environments remains challenging, as most predictive models are developed for horizontal or mildly inclined tunnels. For tunnels with steeper slopes, additional physical mechanisms introduced by tunnel geometry are often overlooked, leading to systematic deviations in prediction accuracy. In this study, the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) was used to investigate fire plume behavior and ceiling temperature distribution in inclined tunnels under natural ventilation. Results show that increasing tunnel slope causes the plume impingement point to shift upslope and significantly reduces the maximum ceiling temperature. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the elongation of the plume’s vertical rise, which enhances cold-air entrainment and intensifies cooling effects. Further analysis reveals two dominant mechanisms responsible for this behavior: 1) the asymmetric entrainment effect, where upslope ground blockage weakens plume entrainment on the high-slope side and induces stronger lateral deflection; 2) the non-orthogonal ventilation effect, where induced flow accelerates vertical rise while reducing the deflection angle. Under high-slope conditions, these effects become more pronounced, resulting in a systematic deviation of 15–50% for classical models based on orthogonal ventilation. By introducing a modified dimensionless velocity and a slope-dependent entrainment correction factor, an improved model is developed. Validation using independent experimental datasets shows that the majority of predictions fall within a ±20% error range, demonstrating substantially enhanced accuracy. This work elucidates the key mechanisms of structure–ventilation coupling on plume behavior in inclined tunnels and provides a predictive model for the maximum ceiling temperature with improved accuracy and applicability at steep slopes.
{"title":"Prediction of maximum ceiling temperature rise in inclined tunnel fire based on improved non-orthogonal ventilation plume model","authors":"Ke Wu, Lei Liu, Mingjian Yin, Kai Zhu, Xin Zhang, Guannan Wang, Tianhang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107500","url":null,"abstract":"With the increasing construction of inclined tunnels, evaluating fire-induced thermal environments remains challenging, as most predictive models are developed for horizontal or mildly inclined tunnels. For tunnels with steeper slopes, additional physical mechanisms introduced by tunnel geometry are often overlooked, leading to systematic deviations in prediction accuracy. In this study, the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) was used to investigate fire plume behavior and ceiling temperature distribution in inclined tunnels under natural ventilation. Results show that increasing tunnel slope causes the plume impingement point to shift upslope and significantly reduces the maximum ceiling temperature. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the elongation of the plume’s vertical rise, which enhances cold-air entrainment and intensifies cooling effects. Further analysis reveals two dominant mechanisms responsible for this behavior: 1) the asymmetric entrainment effect, where upslope ground blockage weakens plume entrainment on the high-slope side and induces stronger lateral deflection; 2) the non-orthogonal ventilation effect, where induced flow accelerates vertical rise while reducing the deflection angle. Under high-slope conditions, these effects become more pronounced, resulting in a systematic deviation of 15–50% for classical models based on orthogonal ventilation. By introducing a modified dimensionless velocity and a slope-dependent entrainment correction factor, an improved model is developed. Validation using independent experimental datasets shows that the majority of predictions fall within a ±20% error range, demonstrating substantially enhanced accuracy. This work elucidates the key mechanisms of structure–ventilation coupling on plume behavior in inclined tunnels and provides a predictive model for the maximum ceiling temperature with improved accuracy and applicability at steep slopes.","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107505
Wenjin Niu, Wen Nie, Wenming Yang, Qifan Tian
This study analyzed the surface tension of solutions of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and sodium perfluorononenyloxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), which have the same hydrophilic head group but have either hydrocarbon (C–H chain) or fluorinated (C–F chain) hydrophobic tail groups, respectively, and the element content and micromorphology changes in coal after being treated with the solutions. These results were combined with quantitative indicators such as interaction energy and electrostatic potential to clarify the regulatory mechanism of the hydrophobic group structure on the adsorption and wetting properties of coal dust. The results indicated that OBS forms a high-density, stable arrangement at the interface, achieving a surface tension as low as 20.42 mN/m. However, the C–F chain exhibits stronger entropy reduction, leading to a higher solution free energy. The high electronegativity of the C–F group enhances instantaneous dipole interactions, which strengthens the otherwise weak interactions with coal, thereby improving the adsorption capacity and facilitating the agglomeration of coal dust particles. However, the strong inductive effect of fluorine atom significantly reduces the negative electrostatic potential of the hydrophilic group. Compared to SDBS, the electrostatic potential of OBS decreases from −65.47 to −56.91 kcal/mol, and the wetting area is reduced by 15.02 Å2, weakening the hydrogen bonding with water molecules and reducing the wetting effect. In contrast, SDBS exhibits higher solubility and superior wettability. Overall, the C–F chain enhances hydrophobicity and coal dust adsorption, while the C–H chain excels in solubility and wettability. Crucially, this study reveals a novel remote regulation mechanism: the hydrophobic C-F chain acts as an electron-withdrawing micro-regulator via the benzene ring, reducing the electrostatic potential of the distant hydrophilic head and suppressing hydrogen bonding. Based on this mechanism, we propose a bifunctional synergistic design strategy: integrating C-F segments as high-energy anchors to target coal surfaces and C–H segments as flexible wetting agents to ensure solubility. This work transcends simple performance comparison, offering a theoretical framework for synthesizing next-generation dust suppressants with tunable anchoring-wetting balance.
{"title":"Mechanism and design strategy via surfactant hydrophobic tail engineering for enhanced dust control in underground spaces","authors":"Wenjin Niu, Wen Nie, Wenming Yang, Qifan Tian","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107505","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107505","url":null,"abstract":"This study analyzed the surface tension of solutions of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) and sodium perfluorononenyloxybenzenesulfonate (OBS), which have the same hydrophilic head group but have either hydrocarbon (C–H chain) or fluorinated (C–F chain) hydrophobic tail groups, respectively, and the element content and micromorphology changes in coal after being treated with the solutions. These results were combined with quantitative indicators such as interaction energy and electrostatic potential to clarify the regulatory mechanism of the hydrophobic group structure on the adsorption and wetting properties of coal dust. The results indicated that OBS forms a high-density, stable arrangement at the interface, achieving a surface tension as low as 20.42 mN/m. However, the C–F chain exhibits stronger entropy reduction, leading to a higher solution free energy. The high electronegativity of the C–F group enhances instantaneous dipole interactions, which strengthens the otherwise weak interactions with coal, thereby improving the adsorption capacity and facilitating the agglomeration of coal dust particles. However, the strong inductive effect of fluorine atom significantly reduces the negative electrostatic potential of the hydrophilic group. Compared to SDBS, the electrostatic potential of OBS decreases from −65.47 to −56.91 kcal/mol, and the wetting area is reduced by 15.02 Å<ce:sup loc=\"post\">2</ce:sup>, weakening the hydrogen bonding with water molecules and reducing the wetting effect. In contrast, SDBS exhibits higher solubility and superior wettability. Overall, the C–F chain enhances hydrophobicity and coal dust adsorption, while the C–H chain excels in solubility and wettability. Crucially, this study reveals a novel remote regulation mechanism: the hydrophobic C-F chain acts as an electron-withdrawing micro-regulator via the benzene ring, reducing the electrostatic potential of the distant hydrophilic head and suppressing hydrogen bonding. Based on this mechanism, we propose a bifunctional synergistic design strategy: integrating C-F segments as high-energy anchors to target coal surfaces and C–H segments as flexible wetting agents to ensure solubility. This work transcends simple performance comparison, offering a theoretical framework for synthesizing next-generation dust suppressants with tunable anchoring-wetting balance.","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"89 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107496
Jiaxin Lu, Ying Luo, Weijie Yu
Freeway tunnels are essential infrastructure in mountainous regions but pose unique traffic challenges. With the growing deployment of Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs), understanding mixed traffic flow dynamics in tunnel environments has become increasingly important. This study developed a tunnel-tailored car-following model for Human-driven Vehicles (HDVs) and advanced control strategies for CAVs, aiming to bridge the gap between microscopic driving behavior and macroscopic tunnel traffic analysis. Through in-depth analysis of high-resolution trajectory data from freeway tunnels under both free-flow and car-following conditions, a refined TU-FVD car-following model was developed to better capture section-dependent HDV driving behavior, which varies across entrance, inner, and exit sections of freeway tunnels. Moreover, three CAV-specific control strategies—Self-Control, Together-Control, and TU-Control—were designed to optimize speed trajectory with specific objectives of enhancing traffic stability, safety, and efficiency. Finally, mixed traffic flow characteristics were analyzed through numerical simulations with varying CAV penetration rates. Results demonstrate that the TU-FVD car-following model significantly outperforms traditional models in capturing microscopic behavior under the influence of leading vehicles and tunnel environments. The proposed CAV control strategies, particularly Together-Control, effectively enhance traffic stability, reduce energy consumption, and improve overall efficiency compared to conventional Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC). Analysis of mixed traffic reveals that even at low CAV penetration rates (20%), traffic stability, safety, and fuel efficiency improve significantly, while mid-range rates (40–60%) introduce temporary inefficiencies before ultimately stabilizing at higher levels. Our study provides novel perspectives and methodological foundations for modeling and analyzing the complex tunnel traffic systems as automated driving moves closer to wider deployment.
{"title":"Analyzing the mixed traffic flow characteristics with connected automated vehicles in freeway tunnels","authors":"Jiaxin Lu, Ying Luo, Weijie Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107496","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107496","url":null,"abstract":"Freeway tunnels are essential infrastructure in mountainous regions but pose unique traffic challenges. With the growing deployment of Connected Automated Vehicles (CAVs), understanding mixed traffic flow dynamics in tunnel environments has become increasingly important. This study developed a tunnel-tailored car-following model for Human-driven Vehicles (HDVs) and advanced control strategies for CAVs, aiming to bridge the gap between microscopic driving behavior and macroscopic tunnel traffic analysis. Through in-depth analysis of high-resolution trajectory data from freeway tunnels under both free-flow and car-following conditions, a refined TU-FVD car-following model was developed to better capture section-dependent HDV driving behavior, which varies across entrance, inner, and exit sections of freeway tunnels. Moreover, three CAV-specific control strategies—Self-Control, Together-Control, and TU-Control—were designed to optimize speed trajectory with specific objectives of enhancing traffic stability, safety, and efficiency. Finally, mixed traffic flow characteristics were analyzed through numerical simulations with varying CAV penetration rates. Results demonstrate that the TU-FVD car-following model significantly outperforms traditional models in capturing microscopic behavior under the influence of leading vehicles and tunnel environments. The proposed CAV control strategies, particularly Together-Control, effectively enhance traffic stability, reduce energy consumption, and improve overall efficiency compared to conventional Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC). Analysis of mixed traffic reveals that even at low CAV penetration rates (20%), traffic stability, safety, and fuel efficiency improve significantly, while mid-range rates (40–60%) introduce temporary inefficiencies before ultimately stabilizing at higher levels. Our study provides novel perspectives and methodological foundations for modeling and analyzing the complex tunnel traffic systems as automated driving moves closer to wider deployment.","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107504
Qunli Wang, Zuliang Zhong, Liwen Tan, Kaixin Zhu, Xinrong Liu
As tunnels are increasingly constructed at greater depths and lengths, high rock temperatures and hot water gushing are becoming significant challenges for the safety of tunnel construction and operation. The problem of crystallization blockage in the drainage system is one of the main forms of tunnel diseases during operation. When the drainage system of a high-temperature water gushing tunnel encounters crystallization blockage, the hot water cannot be discharged from the tunnel in time and accumulates outside the supporting structure. The coupled effect of high water pressure and additional thermal stress will significantly increase the risk of lining cracks, which is a long-term safety hazard for high-temperature water gushing tunnels. To prevent the crystallization blockage problem of the drainage system in such tunnels, on-site sampling and testing were conducted in a representative hot water gushing tunnel to determine the main components of the crystalline deposits. Through laboratory tests, the influence of high water temperature on the ion leaching rate from shotcrete was investigated. The crystallization rate and crystal morphology evolution of calcium carbonate under high water temperature conditions were also analyzed to further reveal the clogging mechanism. The results indicate that the leakage water on the outer surface of shotcrete contains high concentrations of Ca2+, CO32–, and HCO3–, with the main component of the crystalline deposits being calcium carbonate. The calcium leaching process from shotcrete is accompanied by the leaching of other ions. The conductivity of the leaching solution gradually increases with the increase of water temperature. At elevated water temperatures, both the initial crystallization rate and the final mass of calcium carbonate deposits are significantly increased. Both the nucleation and growth rates of calcium carbonate are accelerated under higher water temperatures (T ≥ 50°C). When the crystallization time reaches 240 min, the mass of calcium carbonate formed at 50°C, 70°C, and 90°C is 216.8%, 344.0%, and 392.1% of that formed at 30°C, respectively. Additionally, elevated water temperatures promote the mutual transformation between calcite and aragonite crystals. The findings of this study can provide essential insights for the prevention of crystallization blockage in the drainage system of high-temperature water gushing tunnels.
{"title":"Formation mechanism and evolution of crystalline deposits in drainage systems of high-temperature water gushing tunnels","authors":"Qunli Wang, Zuliang Zhong, Liwen Tan, Kaixin Zhu, Xinrong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107504","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107504","url":null,"abstract":"As tunnels are increasingly constructed at greater depths and lengths, high rock temperatures and hot water gushing are becoming significant challenges for the safety of tunnel construction and operation. The problem of crystallization blockage in the drainage system is one of the main forms of tunnel diseases during operation. When the drainage system of a high-temperature water gushing tunnel encounters crystallization blockage, the hot water cannot be discharged from the tunnel in time and accumulates outside the supporting structure. The coupled effect of high water pressure and additional thermal stress will significantly increase the risk of lining cracks, which is a long-term safety hazard for high-temperature water gushing tunnels. To prevent the crystallization blockage problem of the drainage system in such tunnels, on-site sampling and testing were conducted in a representative hot water gushing tunnel to determine the main components of the crystalline deposits. Through laboratory tests, the influence of high water temperature on the ion leaching rate from shotcrete was investigated. The crystallization rate and crystal morphology evolution of calcium carbonate under high water temperature conditions were also analyzed to further reveal the clogging mechanism. The results indicate that the leakage water on the outer surface of shotcrete contains high concentrations of Ca<ce:sup loc=\"post\">2+</ce:sup>, CO<ce:inf loc=\"post\">3</ce:inf><ce:sup loc=\"post\">2–</ce:sup>, and HCO<ce:inf loc=\"post\">3</ce:inf><ce:sup loc=\"post\">–</ce:sup>, with the main component of the crystalline deposits being calcium carbonate. The calcium leaching process from shotcrete is accompanied by the leaching of other ions. The conductivity of the leaching solution gradually increases with the increase of water temperature. At elevated water temperatures, both the initial crystallization rate and the final mass of calcium carbonate deposits are significantly increased. Both the nucleation and growth rates of calcium carbonate are accelerated under higher water temperatures (T ≥ 50°C). When the crystallization time reaches 240 min, the mass of calcium carbonate formed at 50°C, 70°C, and 90°C is 216.8%, 344.0%, and 392.1% of that formed at 30°C, respectively. Additionally, elevated water temperatures promote the mutual transformation between calcite and aragonite crystals. The findings of this study can provide essential insights for the prevention of crystallization blockage in the drainage system of high-temperature water gushing tunnels.","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"15 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107512
Ali Abdallah, Denis Branque, Nicolas Berthoz, Antoine Rallu
This study investigates the impact of accidental transient variations in the pressure boundary conditions applied by pressurised tunnel boring machines on the response of the surrounding soil, including that of a single pile. To this end, a three-dimensional numerical model of an earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine (EPB-TBM) was developed to simulate steady-state and transient pressure conditions. The model was carefully calibrated and validated using experimental data from the TULIP project, conducted as part of the Grand Paris Express. The study highlights the importance of careful model calibration in order to accurately reproduce the evolution of surface and subsurface settlements alongside TBM advancement under steady-state and transient conditions. In particular, the analyses demonstrate that transient pressure phases can significantly increase soil settlements and strongly impact pile behaviour, resulting in sudden displacements and the development of negative skin friction. For example, an accidental reduction in frontal pressure of around 35% during the excavation of one ring of segments can cause a rapid increase in displacement, accounting for 30%–40% of the final settlement of the pile and the surrounding soil.
{"title":"Steady-state and transient pressure conditions around the EPB-TBM: Numerical modelling based on experimental data","authors":"Ali Abdallah, Denis Branque, Nicolas Berthoz, Antoine Rallu","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107512","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107512","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigates the impact of accidental transient variations in the pressure boundary conditions applied by pressurised tunnel boring machines on the response of the surrounding soil, including that of a single pile. To this end, a three-dimensional numerical model of an earth pressure balance tunnel boring machine (EPB-TBM) was developed to simulate steady-state and transient pressure conditions. The model was carefully calibrated and validated using experimental data from the TULIP project, conducted as part of the Grand Paris Express. The study highlights the importance of careful model calibration in order to accurately reproduce the evolution of surface and subsurface settlements alongside TBM advancement under steady-state and transient conditions. In particular, the analyses demonstrate that transient pressure phases can significantly increase soil settlements and strongly impact pile behaviour, resulting in sudden displacements and the development of negative skin friction. For example, an accidental reduction in frontal pressure of around 35% during the excavation of one ring of segments can cause a rapid increase in displacement, accounting for 30%–40% of the final settlement of the pile and the surrounding soil.","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"160 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146146582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107503
Kelwalee Jutipanya, Emma J.S. Ferranti, Christopher D.F. Rogers
{"title":"Accounting for all the consequences of roadworks and streetworks design options: A scoping review","authors":"Kelwalee Jutipanya, Emma J.S. Ferranti, Christopher D.F. Rogers","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107503","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107503","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"384 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-05DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107501
Meron Belachew, Yulong Liu, J. David Frost, Chloé Arson
{"title":"Numerical assessment of plasticity development and energy expenditure of ant-like microtunnelling","authors":"Meron Belachew, Yulong Liu, J. David Frost, Chloé Arson","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107501","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146134704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107460
Zhangxing Wang , Jiao Wang , Guanhua Sun , Shan Lin , Zhijun Liu , Hong Zheng
Lined rock caverns (LRCs) have become a key underground solution for large-scale compressed air energy storage (CAES). Clarifying the lining’s cracking pattern is a prerequisite for achieving coordinated performance with the sealing layer. This study proposes a coupled thermo-mechanical numerical framework based on the finite-discrete element method, which can effectively predict the random cracking process and crack evolution patterns of the lining. The accuracy and applicability of the proposed framework are verified through comparison with results from laboratory model tests. Finally, an engineering-scale model is constructed to investigate the effects of factors such as thermal effects, surrounding rock stiffness, and reinforcement parameters on the cracking characteristics and mechanical performance of the lining-sealing system. Results show that thermally induced circumferential compression offsets tensile stresses caused by internal pressure, reducing the maximum crack width and the steel liner stress amplitude by approximately 30%. Surrounding rock stiffness governs deformation compatibility: a higher elastic modulus suppresses plastic zone expansion, significantly reduces cracking, and improves the stress uniformity of the steel liner. Reinforcement factors (including reinforcement type, bar diameter, and spacing) have a limited effect on crack development and overall stress in the steel liner but influence the uniformity of stress in the sealing layer. Lining thickness exhibits a dual effect: thicker linings generate fewer but wider cracks, whereas thinner linings produce more but narrower cracks. The proposed framework provides a reliable theoretical and engineering basis for safety assessment and design optimization of LRCs in CAES applications.
{"title":"Coupled thermo-mechanical simulation of lining cracking evolution and sealing system mechanical response in CAES lined rock caverns using finite-discrete element method","authors":"Zhangxing Wang , Jiao Wang , Guanhua Sun , Shan Lin , Zhijun Liu , Hong Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lined rock caverns (LRCs) have become a key underground solution for large-scale compressed air energy storage (CAES). Clarifying the lining’s cracking pattern is a prerequisite for achieving coordinated performance with the sealing layer. This study proposes a coupled thermo-mechanical numerical framework based on the finite-discrete element method, which can effectively predict the random cracking process and crack evolution patterns of the lining. The accuracy and applicability of the proposed framework are verified through comparison with results from laboratory model tests. Finally, an engineering-scale model is constructed to investigate the effects of factors such as thermal effects, surrounding rock stiffness, and reinforcement parameters on the cracking characteristics and mechanical performance of the lining-sealing system. Results show that thermally induced circumferential compression offsets tensile stresses caused by internal pressure, reducing the maximum crack width and the steel liner stress amplitude by approximately 30%. Surrounding rock stiffness governs deformation compatibility: a higher elastic modulus suppresses plastic zone expansion, significantly reduces cracking, and improves the stress uniformity of the steel liner. Reinforcement factors (including reinforcement type, bar diameter, and spacing) have a limited effect on crack development and overall stress in the steel liner but influence the uniformity of stress in the sealing layer. Lining thickness exhibits a dual effect: thicker linings generate fewer but wider cracks, whereas thinner linings produce more but narrower cracks. The proposed framework provides a reliable theoretical and engineering basis for safety assessment and design optimization of LRCs in CAES applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"172 ","pages":"Article 107460"},"PeriodicalIF":7.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146098893","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Calculation method for the mechanical performance of pipe–liner composite structure under multi-factor coupling effects","authors":"Kangjian Yang, Yizhuang Lou, Jianwei Zhang, Hongyuan Fang, Shaochun Ma, Lei Shi, Kejie Zhai","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107486","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107486","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"286 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146110253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2026.107495
Tianhang Zhang, Lei Liu, Ke Wu, Shaorun Lin, Shiyi Wang, Xin Zhang
{"title":"Inertial-buoyant coupling and bi-directional flow effects on plume deflection in inclined tunnel fires under natural ventilation","authors":"Tianhang Zhang, Lei Liu, Ke Wu, Shaorun Lin, Shiyi Wang, Xin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.tust.2026.107495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2026.107495","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49414,"journal":{"name":"Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology","volume":"8 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.9,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146110257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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