Abstract

Design analysis for underground spaces requires evaluating stability related to heading collapses. A failure mode is one of the critical factors in the conventional methods of stability evaluation. Identification of failure modes is, therefore, essential in securing safe construction. In this study failure modes at the tunnel heading in cohesionless soils are investigated using physical model tests for various tunnel depths and ground surface inclinations. Test results showed that the effect of depth and the inclination of ground surface on a failure mode are of significance. It is identified that, with an increase in depth, failure modes become localized in a region close to tunnel face. It is also known that an increase in the inclination of ground surface results in inclined and wide failure modes. Numerical simulation of laboratory tests was performed, and shown that the numerical analysis is useful in identifying the heading failure modes, particularly for large underground spaces.