Analytical Method for Preliminary Seismic Design of Tunnels
Buried structures are categorized based on their shape, size and location. These main categories are near surface structures (e.g., pipes and other facilities), large section structures (e.g., tunnels, subways, etc.), and vertical underground structures (e.g., shafts and ducts). Seismic assessments of these structures are important in areas close to severe seismic sources. Seismic design of tunnels requires calculation of the deformation in surrounding geological formations. The seismic hazard on a site is usually expressed as a function of amplitude parameters of free-field motion. Therefore, simplified relations between depth and parameters of ground motion are necessary for preliminary designs. The objective of this chapter is to study and review the main analytical seismic methods which are used to develop a simple relationship between maximum shear strain, maximum shear stress and other seismic parameters.