Large Deformations and Numerical Analysis of a Typical Soft Rock Tunnel in the Chuxiong Section of the Yunnan Central Water Diversion Project

Large deformations of soft rocks often occur during the excavation and support of the Chuxiong section tunnel in the Yunnan Central Diversion Project. The physical characteristics and creep mechanical properties of the red-bed soft rock were analyzed by combining engineering experience, laboratory tests, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the creep parameters of the red-bed soft rock were obtained. The issues related to large deformations of deeply buried tunnels with soft and weak rock masses were investigated. Based on construction engineering practice and numerical simulations, characteristics of extrusion damage of deeply buried tunnels with soft and weak rock masses were analyzed. Countermeasures were implemented to solve the problems of large deformations, which can be used as references for the construction of similar soft rock tunnels in the future.