A framework for modelling mechanical behavior of surrounding rocks of underground openings under seismic load

The surrounding rocks of underground openings are natural materials and their mechanical behavior under seismic load is different from traditional man-made materials. This paper proposes a framework to comprehensively model the mechanical behavior of surrounding rocks. Firstly, the effects of seismic load on the surrounding rocks are summarized. Three mechanical effects and the mechanism, including the strengthening effect, the degradation effect, and the relaxation effect, are detailed, respectively. Then, the framework for modelling the mechanical behavior of surrounding rocks are outlined. The straindependent characteristics of rocks under seismic load is considered to model the strengthening effect. The damage concept under cyclic load is introduced to model the degradation effect. The quantitative relationship between the damage coefficient and the relaxation zone is established to model the relaxation effect. The major effects caused by seismic load, in this way, are all considered in the proposed framework. Afterwards, an independently developed 3D dynamic FEM analysis code is adopted to include the algorithms and models of the framework. Finally, the proposed framework is illustrated with its application to an underground opening subjected to earthquake impact. The calculation results and post-earthquake survey conclusions are seen to agree well, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Based on the numerical calculation results, post-earthquake reinforcement measures are suggested.