Abstract

Shotcrete adhesive strength in large section tunnels in jointed rock masses plays an important role in preventing rock block from falling and shotcrete debonding due to blasting vibration. Nevertheless, it has not been considered as a major factor such as shotcrete compressive strength in design and construction. For this reason, the purpose of this study is to analyze the effect on shotcrete adhesive strength for large-sectioned tunnels. First, the parametric study using numerical model similar to Holmgren's punch-loaded test was executed for various range of adhesive strength. It shows that the shotcrete bearing capacity is linearly proportioned to the adhesive strength between shotcrete layer and blocks. And then, distinct element analysis of a jointed rock tunnel for an adhesive strength of 1 MPa and a conventional fully-bonded condition between the shotcrete layer and the excavation face was compared in order to evaluate the effect of the shotcrete adhesive strength.