Numerical Modeling of Tunnel Support System in Himalayan Rock Masses for Seismic Resilience

This study uses numerical modeling in combination with rock mass classification approaches to develop tunnel support systems that are safe from earthquakes, ultimately contributing the seismic resilience of important infrastructure. A case Himalayan region Nepal has been considered for assessment supports different geological conditions. For better quality masses (GSI>30), strain-softening model was used, and weaker (GSI<30), elastic-perfectly-plastic used. To ensure safety extremely poor mass, shotcrete thickness had be increased by 100 mm over recommended empirical methods. In both models, sections high overburden showed a significant decrease FOS. Even though this type unusual finding also reported Melamchi water supply after 2015 Gorkha Earthquake, no further studies investigate influencing factors have done. While condition occurred used because application higher in-situ stress larger depth overburden, actual reason occurrence situation as result an earthquake remains unexplained. Future research should take into account effects discontinuities, epicentral distance, aftershocks, incorporation measurements field modeling.