Strain Gradient Model of Zonal Disintegration of Rock Mass near Deep-Level Tunnels

Abstract

This paper presents one strain gradient model of zonal disintegration of rock mass near deep level tunnel. The governing equations and boundary conditions of the model are established. Numerical methods (quasi-Newton method and shooting method) are adopted to solve the obtained fourth-order equilibrium equations with higher order boundary conditions in terms of displacement. The stress field in elastic and plastic zones is obtained. The effects of model parameters on stresses distribution in surrounding the tunnel rock mass are examined. The necessary conditions for the formation of zonal disintegration are elucidated.