Imaging the Geology Ahead of a Tunnel Using Seismics and Adaptive Polarization Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-198
Author(s):  
Lei Chen ◽  
Chao Fu ◽  
Xinji Xu ◽  
Lichao Nie
Keyword(s):  
Time Window ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Weighting Coefficient ◽  
Tunnel Construction ◽  
Polarization Analysis ◽  
Polarization Direction ◽  
Tunnel Face ◽  
Seismic Method ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
Geological Conditions

The seismic method is one of the main geophysical methods that are widely used to image the geology ahead of tunnels during tunnel construction. However, owing to the complex environment and limited observation aperture in a tunnel, symmetric false results (that appear in imaging results but not in the actual environment) frequently occur in imaging results. In a symmetric false reflection, false and true reflection points are axisymmetric around the tunnel axis. Such false results frequently cause errors in the interpretation of the geological conditions ahead of a tunnel face. To overcome this problem, a seismic method that uses adaptive polarization analysis was adopted to better image geological conditions. Based on an adaptive time window, the polarization characteristics of seismic signals were analyzed to calculate the main polarization direction. The symmetric false results in imaging results were suppressed by adopting a weighting coefficient based on the angle between the main polarization direction and ray direction. Numerical simulations revealed the superiority of the method when applied to synthetic data processing. Moreover, the method was applied to a diversion tunnel. The method successfully identified the fracture zones ahead of the tunnel face, thus significantly enhancing the safety of tunnel construction.

scholarly journals A Semi-Automatic Coupling Geophone for Tunnel Seismic Detection

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (17) ◽  
pp. 3734
Author(s):  
Yao Wang ◽  
Nengyi Fu ◽  
Zhihong Fu ◽  
Xinglin Lu ◽  
Xian Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Piezoelectric Sensor ◽  
Spectral Width ◽  
Lower Amount ◽  
Tunnel Construction ◽  
Tunnel Wall ◽  
Tunnel Face ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Low Sensitivity

The tunnel seismic method allows for the detection of the geology in front of a tunnel face for the safety of tunnel construction. Conventional geophones have problems such as a narrow spectral width, low sensitivity, and poor coupling with the tunnel wall. To tackle issues above, we propose a semi-automatic coupling geophone equipped with a piezoelectric sensor with a spectral range of 10–5000 Hz and a sensitivity of 2.8 V/g. After the geophone was manually pushed into the borehole, it automatically coupled with the tunnel wall under the pressure of the springs within the device. A comparative experiment showed that the data spectrum acquired by the semi-automatic coupling geophone was much higher than that of the conventional geophone equipped with the same piezoelectric sensor. The seismic data were processed in combination with forward modeling. The imaging results also show that the data acquired by the semi-automatic coupling geophone were more in line with the actual geological conditions. In addition, the semi-automatic coupling geophone’s installation requires a lower amount of time and cost. In summary, the semi-automatic coupling geophone is able to efficiently acquire seismic data with high fidelity, which can provide a reference for tunnel construction safety.

Experiment of 3D Seismic Reflection Technique for Forward Probing on TBM Tunnel Face

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-619
Author(s):  
Ao Song ◽  
Bin Song ◽  
Rongyi Qian
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Tunnel Boring Machine ◽  
Detection Accuracy ◽  
3D Seismic ◽  
Engineering Project ◽  
Tunnel Wall ◽  
Tunnel Face ◽  
Detection Depth ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
Geological Conditions

Geophysical technologies are used to mitigate geological hazard caused by adverse geological conditions in front of a tunnel face. The prevailing method for forward probing for tunnels constructed by a tunnel boring machine (TBM) for advance prediction is based on seismic detection. Conventional tunnel seismic prediction technology uses P- and S-waves with sources fired on the tunnel wall or face and layout receivers on the tunnel wall to acquire the reflected waves. However, the results show that most of these methods have different deficiencies that are in either low detection accuracy, short detection depth, and/or multiplicity in imaging. This paper proposes a new high resolution tunnel advance prediction technology on the face based on 3D seismic wave detection. It arranges the 3D high-density source and recording geometry on the tunnel face to receive reflected P-waves for 3D imaging. By using the 3D numerical simulation, we first analyze the energy distribution and propagation characteristics of the wave field, which proves that our method is feasible. Compared with the conventional technologies, the seismic energy propagating towards the tunnel face is stronger and produces rich reflected information. The reflected wave has the advantages of bandwidth, strong energy and little interferences from surface wave, so that the seismic phases are easy to be identified. On this basis, we present the high resolution true 3D prediction technology to obtain more comprehensive and abundant azimuth information. Our approach is further validated by an application experiment in a real-world engineering project of water conveyance tunnel. The results show that the new technique has a greater detection length, higher detection accuracy and more reliable imaging results.

scholarly journals Stability Analysis and Protection Measures of Large Section Tunnel in Coal Rich Weak Rock Stratum

Geofluids ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Guannan Zhou ◽  
Zijiang Zhao ◽  
Zhanping Song ◽  
Hongjian Wang
Keyword(s):  
Coal Seam ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Surrounding Rock ◽  
Tunnel Construction ◽  
Weak Rock ◽  
Large Section ◽  
Tunnel Face ◽  
Finite Element Software ◽  
Geological Conditions

Due to poor engineering geological conditions of Liujiazhuang tunnel on Shanghai-Kunming Passenger Dedicated Line, the large deformation of weak rock occurs repeatedly during tunnel construction. In this paper, the large-scale finite element software ABAQUS is used to simulate the construction process of a large-section tunnel in weak surrounding rock. It is found that when tunnel face passes through the coal seam, the displacement and stress simulated by the bench method increase abruptly. The maximum stress reaches up to 18 MPa, and displacement reaches 45 mm, which is about twice when without crossing coal seam. It is technically feasible to use the bench method for tunnel construction, under the condition when large settlements is allowed; additionally, the bench method has better technical and economic benefits than that of the CD method. Through the comparative analysis of onsite monitoring data and numerical simulation results, it can be seen that the tunnel is in a dangerous state when passing through the coal seam and measures such as strengthening support or auxiliary advance support should be taken immediately to control the surrounding rock and to ensure tunnel construction safety.

An evaluation of generated source signals from machinery in conventional tunnelling and their possible application in a tunnel seismic while drilling (TSWD) system

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irene Hartl ◽  
Ingrid Schlögel ◽  
Robert Wenighofer ◽  
Jakob Gallistl
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Tunnel Boring Machine ◽  
Tunnel Face ◽  
Pilot Signal ◽  
Noise Interference ◽  
Tunnel Boring ◽  
Working Face ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Source Signal

<p>Geological conditions and their uncertainties are a major risk factor in underground construction projects. To ensure a fast, smooth and save completion of the excavation, a prediction of the geological conditions in front of the working face during tunnelling is a topic of great importance.</p><p>Various geophysical methods for a prediction of the conditions ahead of the tunnel face have been developed over the past years, yet, most of them being seismic techniques, which require a short interruption of the excavation to minimise noise interference. However, there is also the approach with TSWD which uses the working TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) as a source signal and can thus work simultaneously with the excavation. Up to now, this concept has been applied primarily in mechanised tunnelling and there are hardly any applications in conventional tunnelling.</p><p>In the course of several practical experiments at the “Zentrum am Berg” in Eisenerz (Austria), different concepts for a transfer of TSWD from mechanised to conventional tunnelling were developed and tested at scale in an underground research facility. Three machines were used for these tests, an excavator with a hydraulic hammer attached as well as two different drilling jumbos. The devices were equipped with an accelerometer to pick up the source signal at its origin (pilot signal). Different sensor positions were tested using a sledge hammer as a source and evaluated in detail. Moreover, omnidirectional geophones of different sensitivities (4.5 Hz and 27 Hz) were tested and compared as transducers in the adjacent rock mass.</p><p>An essential part of the experiment analysis consisted of the evaluation of the source characteristics as well as the generated spectral bandwidth of the source signal from typical construction machines in conventional tunnelling. Consequently, the outcomes will be another step forward in the development of a TSWD exploration system also applicable to conventional tunnelling projects.</p>

Application of Cross-borehole Integrated Geophysical Methods for the Detailed Investigation of Karst in Urban Metro Construction

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 525-536
Author(s):  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Shengdong Liu ◽  
Qinghua Chen ◽  
Bo Wang ◽  
Chuan Ren
Keyword(s):  
High Precision ◽  
Geophysical Methods ◽  
Ground Subsidence ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Tunnel Construction ◽  
Detection Accuracy ◽  
Geophysical Field ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Fracture Development ◽  
Intercity Railway

With the significant development of China's metro construction, the development of urban underground karst poses a serious threat to related tunnel construction and public safety, with frequent occurrences of mud and water inrushes during tunnel construction and urban ground subsidence events. Because of the complex, urban, and shallow geological conditions and construction environments, conventional geophysical methods cannot meet the requirements for high-precision detection of small-scale and inhomogeneous complex geological bodies. Based on numerical simulation, herein we comprehensively applied both cross-borehole electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and cross-borehole seismic computed tomography (CT) to urban underground karst surveys of the Hangzhou-Fuyang intercity railway. The results showed that: 1) under limited urban construction conditions, the use of advanced geophysical monitoring equipment greatly improved construction efficiency; 2) utilizing drilling geological results to calibrate the abnormal geophysical field attribute parameters (including wave velocity and resistivity) improved the accuracy of karst exploration and reduce defective geophysical multi-explanation effects; 3) applying the joint comparative explanation of both velocity and resistivity profiles can distinguish and explain karst and fracture development zones; 4) 550 pairs of velocity and resistivity profiles were obtained which revealed 258 karst cave anomalies and 5 fracture development zones which integrated detection accuracy exceeded the 1 m level. Thus, the high-precision joint cross-borehole tomography technology was shown to be useful for guiding intercity railway construction.

Decoupled elastic least-squares reverse time migration and its application in tunnel geological forward-prospecting

Geophysics ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-136
Author(s):  
Bin Liu ◽  
Jiansen Wang ◽  
Yuxiao Ren ◽  
Xu Guo ◽  
Lei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Least Squares ◽  
Tunnel Construction ◽  
Stable Convergence ◽  
Reverse Time ◽  
Reverse Time Migration ◽  
Time Migration ◽  
Migration Imaging ◽  
Imaging Results ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Migration Method

Accurate seismic imaging can ensure safe and efficient tunnel construction under complex geological conditions. As a high-precision migration method, reverse time migration (RTM) has been introduced into tunnel seismic forward-prospecting. However, the resolution of traditional RTM imaging results may not meet the requirements in a complex tunnel environment, which affects the interpretation of tunnel seismic forward-prospecting results. In this study, we propose a least-squares RTM method based on the decoupled elastic wave equation in tunnels. The Born forward modeling operator and its exact adjoint migration imaging operator are derived to ensure a stable convergence of the conjugate gradient method. Moreover, a pseudo-Hessian based preconditioning operator is adopted to accelerate the convergence. Numerical examples are provided to verify the efficiency of the proposed scheme. A field test in a traffic tunnel construction site is performed to show the good application effect of the decoupled elastic least-squares RTM in practical situations.

scholarly journals Comparison between electrical resistivity tomography and tunnel seismic prediction 303 methods for detecting the water zone ahead of the tunnel face: A case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1094-1104
Author(s):  
Nima Dastanboo ◽  
Xiao-Qing Li ◽  
Hamed Gharibdoost
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Electrical Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Geological Structure ◽  
Rock Properties ◽  
Electrical Tomography ◽  
Tunnel Face ◽  
Resistivity Tomography ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Seismic Prediction

AbstractIn deep tunnels with hydro-geological conditions, it is paramount to investigate the geological structure of the region before excavating a tunnel; otherwise, unanticipated accidents may cause serious damage and delay the project. The purpose of this study is to investigate the geological properties ahead of a tunnel face using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and tunnel seismic prediction (TSP) methods. During construction of the Nosoud Tunnel located in western Iran, ERT and TSP 303 methods were employed to predict geological conditions ahead of the tunnel face. In this article, the results of applying these methods are discussed. In this case, we have compared the results of the ERT method with those of the TSP 303 method. This work utilizes seismic methods and electrical tomography as two geophysical techniques are able to detect rock properties ahead of a tunnel face. This study shows that although the results of these two methods are in good agreement with each other, the results of TSP 303 are more accurate and higher quality. Also, we believe that using another geophysical method, in addition to TSP 303, could be helpful in making decisions in support of excavation, especially in complicated geological conditions.

The Application of Geological Radar in Forecasting the Adverse Geological in Metamorphic Rock Area Tunnel Construction

2012 ◽  
Vol 531 ◽  
pp. 543-546
Author(s):  
Jiang Tao Xia ◽  
Cheng Zhong Yang ◽  
Shu Fang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Metamorphic Rock ◽  
Water Status ◽  
Tunnel Construction ◽  
Construction Process ◽  
Tunnel Face ◽  
Geological Phenomenon ◽  
Zone Water ◽  
Bedding Joint

Accurately surveying out the fault, facture zone, water status and other bad geological phenomenon is the key problems for safety and quality in tunnel construction. Based on the different dielectric electrical differences in characteristics, applying geological radar detected the adverse geological in front of the tunnel face and analyzed. The results show the rock in front of tunnel face is broken, the bedding joint is developed, and there is jointed intensive moisture content with the local rich water. In construction process, the support should be strengthened, excavation method should be adjusted)

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