A novel tunnel waterproof-drainage system based on double-bonded waterproofing materials and its seepage characteristics

Double-bonded spray membrane waterproofing materials have excellent waterproofing performance and can improve the load-bearing capacity of tunnel linings, leading to an increasing global application. However, due to the double-bonded capability of spray membrane materials, traditional interlayer drainage methods cannot be applied. This limitation makes it difficult to use them in drainage-type tunnels, significantly restricting their range of applications. In this regard, a novel tunnel waterproof-drainage system based on double-bonded spray membrane materials was proposed in this paper. The proposed drainage system primarily comprises upper drainage sheets and bottom drainage blind pipes, both located in the tunnel circumferential direction, as well as longitudinal drainage pipes within the tunnel. Subsequently, numerical calculation methods are employed to analyze the seepage characteristics of this system, revealing the water pressure distribution around the tunnel. The results indicate that in the novel waterproof-drainage system, the water pressure in the secondary lining exhibits a “mushroom-shaped” distribution in the circumferential direction, while the water pressure in the longitudinal direction exhibits a “wave-like” distribution. Furthermore, comparative results with other waterproof-drainage systems indicate that under typical working conditions with a water head of 160 m and a rock permeability coefficient of 10⁻⁶ m/s, the maximum water pressure in the secondary lining of the novel waterproof-drainage system is 0.6 MPa. This represents a significant reduction compared to fully encapsulated waterproofing and traditional drainage systems, which respectively reduce the water pressure by 65% and 30%. The applicability analysis of the double-bonded waterproofing and drainage system reveals that it can reduce at least 40% of the static water pressure in any groundwater environments. The novel drainage system provides a valuable reference for the application of double-bonded spray membrane waterproofing materials in drainage-type tunnels.