New Perspectives on Excavation Disturbance Zones: Main Driving Forces

The support theory of the excavation disturbance zone (EDZ) cannot provide an accurate physical explanation or theoretical description time-dependent properties required for development EDZ. Therefore, primary factors that cause formation EDZ should be determined to further improve and grasp principle underlying control long-term stability rock masses. Considering headrace tunnel nuclear waste repository as research background, this study aimed understand deformation damage evolution process surrounding after under different working conditions using self-developed realistic failure analysis (RFPA2D) code. simulation revealed following. First, is formed, although relatively small action environmental factors. Second, stress in abovementioned case, speed, degree, scope significantly increase, accelerating boundary expands significantly. Third, when are blocked, range due rock. Thus, main responsible factors, whereas only auxiliary factor. A numerical method considers can more accurately reproduce a internal mechanism phenomenon in-depth understanding essential characteristics at macro level. Furthermore, it scientific basis construction designs underground projects widen possibilities improving