EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING OF LARGE UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES

This study identifies and evaluates the current state of the art of earthquake engineering of transportation tunnels and other large underground structures. A review of the past performance of 127 underground openings during earthquakes indicates that underground structures in general are less severely affected than surface structures at the same geographic location. However, some severe damage, including collapse, has been reported. Stability of tunnels during seismic motion is affected by peak ground motion parameters, earthquake duration, type of support, ground conditions, and in situ stresses. The literature on the nature of underground seismic motion is reviewed in detail. Although recorded underground motions tend to substantiate the idea that motion does reduce with depth, amplification at depth has been observed. The current procedures used in the seismic design of underground structures vary greatly depending upon the type of structure and the ground conditions. Procedures for subaqueous tunnels are fairly well formulated; however, procedures for structures in soil and rock are not as well formulated. Numerical procedures to predict dynamic stresses are not completely compatible with current static design procedures, which are more strongly affected by empirical methods than by stress-prediction models. Recommended research activities include the systematic reconnaissance of underground structures following major earthquakes, the placement of instrumentation for recording seismic motion in tunnels, analytical studies of underground motion, and the further development of seismic design procedures for structures in soil and rock. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  URS Blume (John A) and Associates, Engineers

  Sheraton-Palace Hotel
  San Francisco, CA  United States  94119

  National Science Foundation

  1800 G Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20550

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Owen, G N
  • Schott, R E
• Publication Date: 1981-1

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 287 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design methods; Earthquake resistant design; Earthquake resistant structures; Mechanical stability; Reviews; Rocks; Seismicity; State of the art studies; Structural design; Tunneling; Tunnels; Underground structures; Underwater construction; Underwater structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Seismic response; Tunnel design
• Old TRIS Terms: Rock tunneling
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Geotechnology; Highways; I43: Rock Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00392130
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-RD-80-195 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: NSF PFR-7706505
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: May 31 1985 12:00AM