What are the specific manifestations of the harm of faults to tunnel engineering? In tunnel engineering, the existence of faults often has a significant impact on the smooth progress and safety of the project. Let's talk about the main hazards and manifestations of faults to tunnel engineering.

   Surface 1. Reduce the overall strength of the surrounding rock

   Faults will significantly reduce the macroscopic strength of the tunnel surrounding rock. Under the condition of faults, the destruction and instability of the tunnel surrounding rock is mainly controlled by the shear strength of the weak structural surface formed by the fault fracture zone. Due to the existence of faults, the overall strength of the surrounding rock is greatly weakened, thereby increasing the risk of tunnel collapse.

   Surface 2. Change the physical and mechanical properties of the rock mass

   The distribution characteristics of faults and the structural features in the rock medium will significantly affect the physical and mechanical behavior of the rock mass. The distribution of structural surfaces in the rock mass and its mechanical behavior are the key factors determining the stability of the engineering rock mass. The uneven stress distribution and rock mass fragmentation caused by faults cause changes in the physical and mechanical properties of the rock mass, which in turn affects the stability of the tunnel.

  Surface 3. Trigger tunnel collapse

   Faults and their fracture zones are one of the main causes of tunnel collapse. In the fault-affected area, the integrity of the rock mass is destroyed, and unstable fracture zones are easily formed, increasing the possibility of tunnel collapse. The weak characteristics of the fault zone make it a high-incidence area for tunnel collapse.

   Surface 4. Induced water and mud bursts

   Faults and their fracture zones are the main development sites of karst water such as cave water, underground rivers and karst mud zones in karst-developed areas, which are prone to cause disasters such as water and mud bursts. This phenomenon is particularly serious in karst areas, posing great challenges to tunnel construction.

   Surface 5. Cause large deformation

   The distribution area of the fault fracture zone is one of the most unstable areas of the tunnel surrounding rock, which is prone to cause large deformation of the tunnel. Due to the loose and broken rock mass in the fault zone, large deformation of the surrounding rock is prone to occur during tunnel construction, affecting the stability and safety of the tunnel structure.

  Surface 6. Affecting tunnel construction safety

   During the tunnel construction process, the original stress state of the surrounding rock is destroyed, and the existence of faults further aggravates this impact. Problems such as the geological characteristics of the structural surface of the tunnel surrounding rock mass, the ground stress conditions and the development of groundwater often cause geological disasters such as landslides, water inrush and gushing, rock bursts, and gas explosions during tunnel construction. These disasters not only bring great difficulties to tunnel construction, but also pose huge safety hazards to construction personnel and equipment, which may lead to casualties, equipment scrapping, and even project failure.

   The harm of faults to tunnel projects is multifaceted and involves all aspects of the project. Therefore, during the planning and construction of tunnel projects, it is necessary to conduct a detailed investigation and analysis of faults and their effects, and take effective protection and reinforcement measures to ensure the smooth progress and safe operation of tunnel projects.