The formation mechanism of dynamic water and mud inrush geohazard triggered by deep-buried tunnel crossing active fault: Insights from the geomechanical model test

Water and mud inrush geohazard is one of the most important geohazards for underground engineering. Understanding the formation mechanism of water and mud inrush is critical for directing the prevention and control of this geohazard. As a result, a large number of methods have provided insight into this topic, such as the geomechanical model test. However, this geohazard triggered by deep-buried tunnel crossing active fault has not yet been explored. Thus, this study develops a geomechanical model test system to simulate the dynamic water and mud inrush caused by Kangding No.2 tunnel crossing Yunongxi active fault. The results imply that seismic loading can result in fluctuating changes in seepage pressure and stress in the tunnel rock mass. Increasing seismic intensity broadens the fluctuation range, together with a dramatic rise in peak seepage pressure. The coupled effect of earthquake loading and high seepage pressure makes the water-resisting rock mass extremely vulnerable to fracturing, increasing the probability of water and mud inrush. High seismic intensity leads to rock fracture propagation, ulteriorly giving rise to stress releasing, eventually provoking the fracturing of rock mass. Precursor of water and mud inrush can be observed before the geohazard occurs, reflected by the gradual rise of seepage pressure and intermittent fluctuation of stress. Following the increasing earthquake intensity, peak acceleration occurs in a random position of water-resisting rock mass, but mostly appears at the tunnel contour of surrounding rock. The free face of the tunnel exerts an amplifying effect on seismic acceleration. Seismicity affects the formation of water and mud inrush from active fault, which ulteriorly determines the minimum safety thickness of water-resisting rock mass. Monitoring the seepage pressure and stress in water-resisting rock mass is effective for the early warning of inrush hazard.