ORIGINAL RESEARCH
The Evolution Characteristics of Tunnel Seepage
Field Based on Changes in Drainage Volume
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1
China 19th Metallurgical Group Co. Ltd., Chengdu, 610031, PR China
2
Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, PR China
Submission date: 2023-10-11
Final revision date: 2023-12-04
Acceptance date: 2023-12-26
Online publication date: 2024-04-25
Publication date: 2024-06-07
Corresponding author
Xin Liao
Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 611756, PR China
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2024;33(4):4987-4995
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ABSTRACT
The present study focuses on an area of a tunnel located in the mountainous region of southwestern
China, characterized by fractures and water inrush. We analyze geological survey data from the
tunnel site and conduct physical model experiments using a specially designed apparatus. These
experiments investigate the effects of different conditions on the underground groundwater seepage field
and the reduction coefficients of hydraulic pressure. Subsequently, we perform numerical simulations
with the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS) and validate the outcomes against the model
experiments. The research findings reveal significant alterations in the subsurface seepage field due
to tunnel excavation, initiating groundwater flow in the fractured fault zone. After excavation,
a symmetrical funnel-shaped distribution of groundwater levels is observed in the central region of the
experimental model. The fluctuations in groundwater levels exhibit a greater magnitude in the vertical
direction compared to the horizontal direction. The hydraulic head remains relatively constant outside
the funnel-shaped area. With increasing total hydraulic head and drainage volume, the spatial extent of
the seepage field's influence progressively expands. These research findings hold significant theoretical
and practical value for future tunnel route selection, construction, and subsequent maintenance.