Numerical simulation considering the effect of uneven frost heave on tunnel structure in cold regions

Freezing damage is one of the main diseases of tunnels in cold regions. Water storage behind the lining is a necessary condition for freezing damage. Compared with the previous condition of uniform water storage behind the lining, this paper explores the influence of water storage and frost heave at different positions on tunnel structure in cold regions. Based on the theory of thermo-hydro-mechan?ical coupling. The finite element model of tunnel surrounding rock in cold area under different positions and different water content is established and compared by using COMSOL software, the mechanical characteristics of tunnel lining under different water storage positions behind the lining are studied, and the influence of frost heave at different positions on tunnel structure is explored. The numerical simulation results show that no matter where the local water storage area is lo?cated, the area with the largest frost heave force is located in the lining structure, close to the surrounding rock. Different local water storage positions will also have different influences on the tunnel structure. In the same water storage area, the frost heave force will increase with the decrease of temperature.