Applied Mechanics and Materials Vols.

501-504 (2014) pp 1779-1782 Online: 2014-01-16

© (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland
doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.501-504.1779

Tunnel Seismic Prediction (TSP) and its application in tunnel

engineering
Chunjin Lin 1, a, Shucai Li 1,b
1,
Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Research Center, Shandong University,
No.17923,Jingshi Rd., Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
a
linchunjin@sdu.edu.cn, b lishucai@sdu.edu.cn

Keywords: Tunnel Seismic Prediction. TSP. Karst Cave. Fractured zone. Tunnel.

Abstract. In order to avoid heavy casualties and economic losses, and to get an insight into
engineering and hydrogeological conditions, Tunnel Seismic Prediction (TSP) method is applied for
advanced geological prediction in tunnel engineering. Basic principle, data analysis method,
prediction criterion of TSP are studied. Seismic reflection characteristics of karst caves and
fractured zones are analyzed and demonstrated in Qiyueshan Tunnel. Results indicate that TSP is
sensitive to karst caves and fractured zones, but may have errors in location. The location of the
prediction results should be checked with comprehensive geological prediction methods. In some
extent, research of the prediction principles and engineering application in the present study is
instructive for further applications.

Introduction
Karst distributes widely in China. Due to the complex hydrologic and engineering geological
conditions in Karst area, karst hazards often occur during constructions [1-3]. Just as happened
during the excavation of Qiyueshan tunnel in Hubei Province, China, karst hazards are common and
disastrous geological calamities in underground constructions [4-5]. It is important to carry out
advanced geological prediction during tunnel excavation.
The Tunnel Seismic Prediction (TSP) is an advanced geological prediction method used during
tunnel excavation. TSP has many advantages and has a wide scope of application. It can provide
advanced geological prediction for 100 m ahead of the tunnel face and up to 150 m in hard rock
masses. In addition, this method provides: a prediction of major changes in the rock masses both
ahead the tunnel face and around the tunnel axis, an evaluation of the mechanical properties of the
rock ahead of the face. It can predict faults, weak rock zones, karst geological, aquifer and spatial
location. The results of the evaluation provide 2D- or 3D-charts predicting changes in rock strength
for the area ahead [6-7]. Basic principle, data analysis method, prediction criterion of TSP are
studied in the present study. Case studies of predictions of karst caves and fractured zones are
carried out in Qiyueshan Tunnel. In some extent, studies of the prediction principles and
engineering application in the present study is instructive for further applications.

Basic principle
TSP applies the reflection principle of seismic wave for geological exploration. As shown in Fig. 1
[7], seismic wave was trigged from no more than 24 specific blasting boreholes along the tunnel
wall. Seismic signal propagate via spherical waves in rock masses and is received by one or two
electronic sensors. When the incident seismic wave come across fractures, faults, karst caves and so
on, part of the seismic energy would be reflected at the interface of different media. The reflected
seismic wave would be received by the receiver and output and recorded by a digital recorder. The
arrival time of the reflected signal is directly proportional to the distance of the interface. Thus,
changes of the geological conditions can be indirectly measured from the arrival time. The
geometric shape of the interface can also be predict. The Tunnel Seismic Prediction is able to
accurately predict nearly vertical discontinuity (joint and fissure, fault fracture zone, etc.) of the
interface. However, if the discontinuity of the interface shape is irregular, accurate prediction is

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1780 Advances in Civil and Structural Engineering III

difficult to obtain. When a karst cave is nearly flat and very large, the reflected seismic wave could
be detected. But the intensity of the signal is poorer, rich geological experience is needed for an
accurate prediction.
(a) (b)

Fig.1 Tunnel Seismic Prediction: (a) the layout of the survey line and (b) the principle of the
TSP method

Data analysis and prediction criterion.

The seismic data can be immediately processed on the Laptop PC using the specially designed
TSPwin software after all measurements have been recorded. The data processing sequence consists
of 11 primary steps: Data Setup, Band-Pass Filter, First Arrival Pick, Pick Processing, Shot Energy
Balance, Q-Estimation, Reflected Wave Extraction, P-S Separation, Velocity Analysis, Depth
Migration and Reflector Extraction. Through the analysis of the reflected wave velocity, the
reflected signal propagation time is converted into a distance (depth). By evaluation and comparison
of the longitudinal wave velocity and shear wave velocity, static and dynamic mechanical properties
of the rock mass are predict. The results of the evaluation provide 2D- or 3D-charts predicting
changes in quality of rock masses ahead of tunnel face. The prediction criterion are as follows [7]:
(1) Regular reflection amplitude indicates hard strata, negative reflection amplitude indicates
incompetent bed;
(2) Reflection amplitude of S wave is stronger than that of P wave indicates a stratum rich in
water;
(3) Vp/Vs increase or Poisson’s ratio increases suddenly indicates fluid or soft rock;
(4) Vp drops indicates increase of fissure or porosity.
Thus, TSP can be used in advanced geological prediction in the fault fracture zone, karst cave,
groundwater and other unfavorable geology.
The results of the seismic analysis can also be compared directly with the geological profile.
However, it must be noted that the dynamic parameters of rock masses is not the same as the static
parameter characteristic of rock masses. In general, the static parameter is less than the dynamic
parameters and the more cracks the rock masses contains, the greater the difference.

Engineering applications
Qiyueshan Tunnel of Hu-Rongxi Expressway is a long and deep buried tunnel. It is situated in
Karst-developed areas in Hubei Province, China. There are a lot of bad nature geological bodies,
such as underground rivers, karst caves, faults, under groundwater and etc. Thus, it is of particular
importance to carry out advanced geological forecasting. TSP advanced geological prediction
technology is adopted in Qiyueshan Tunnel.
Project profile. Qiyueshan Tunnel of Hu-Rongxi Expressway is located in Wangying Town,
Lichuan City, Hubei Provice. The entrance and exit of the tunnel are in Qingjiang Village and
Baiyangtang Village, respectively. The tunnel is designed as a four-lane twin tunnel. The left tunnel
is from ZK326+063 m to ZK330+138 m (4 075 m long) and the elevation is from 1 355.45 m (the
 Applied Mechanics and Materials Vols. 501-504 1781

entrance) to 1 424.62 m (the exit), with a longitudinal slope ratio of 1.697%. The right tunnel is
from YK326+048 m to YK330+128 m (4 080 m long) and the elevation is from 1 355.18 m (the
entrance) to 1 424.45 m (the exit), with a longitudinal slope ratio of 1.698%. The maximum buried
depth of the tunnel is 355 m. Karst caves, faults, underground rivers are highly developed in the
tunnel area. Thus, the engineering and hydrogeological conditions are extremely complex. The
construction difficulty is very high. TSP method is applied for advanced geological prediction.
Prediction results. As shown in Fig. 2, the tunnel face and the seismic sensor are located at 10
m and 50 m, respectively. The prediction results are as follows:
(1) Quality of the rock masses from 50 m to 78 m is the same as that of the tunnel face. Rock
masses are nearly intact without any big factures.
(2) Quality of the rock masses from 78 m to 117 m is worse than that of the tunnel face. There
are some big fractures at 78 m, 88 m and 117 m.
(3) Quality of the rock masses from 117 m to 134 m is even worse than that of the last section.
There are an empty karst cave from 117 m to 122 m and a filled karst cave from 131 m to 134 m.
There are lots of fractures around 117 m, 122 m and 134 m.
(4) Quality of the rock masses from 134 m to 157 m is similar to that of the second section, but
better than that of the last section. However, there are a lot of fractures from 144 m to 150 m.
(5) Quality of the rock masses from 157 m to 166 m is much worse than that of the last section.
There is a filled karst cave from 158 m to 159 m and there are a lot of fractures around 158 m, 159
m and 166 m.
(6) Quality of the rock masses from 166 m to 200 m is better than that of the last section.
However, there are a lot of fractures from 166 m to 174 m and fractures from 170 m to 174 m are
filled with mud.

Fig.2 Prediction results: (a) Rock masses property, (b) Longitudinal view, (c) Top view,
(d) Depth migration and (e) Extraction map of reflection layers
1782 Advances in Civil and Structural Engineering III

Excavation results and discussion. After the excavation of the tunnel, an empty karst cave is
found from 116.5 m to 121 m. Two filled karst caves are found from 131 m to 133.5 m and from
158 m to 170 m, respectively. In addition, nine fractured zones found around 77 m, 88 m, 117 m,
122 m, 135 m, 159 m and 167 m, from 143 m to 152 m and from 166 m to 173 m. Fractures from
171 m to 173 m are filled with mud and water.
By comparing with the prediction results, it can be conclude that the prediction results agree well
with the excavation results. However, there are some differences in the mileage. Thus, TSP is
sensitive to karst caves and fractures, but the location is difficult to be accurate. It is easy to predict
whether a karst cave or a fractured zones existing in front of the tunnel face, but it is difficult to
have a precise prediction of the location. Errors of the location is 1 m to 2 m. From some other
engineering applications, it can be found that the errors of the location can even be more than 5 m.
Location errors is caused by the difficulty in determining velocities of seismic waves which is not
theoretically but only empirically solved at the present level of technology. In reality, if TSP
prediction results are that there are some potential disaster factors, comprehensive geological
prediction method should be applied.

Conclusions
Tunnel Seismic Prediction (TSP) method is applied to predict karst caves and fractured zones in
Qiyueshan Tunnel. Basic principle, data analysis method, prediction criterion of TSP are studied.
Seismic reflection characteristics of karst caves and fractured zones are analyzed and demonstrated
in Qiyueshan Tunnel. Results indicate that TSP is sensitive to karst caves and fractured zones, but
may have errors in location. The location of the prediction results should be checked with
comprehensive geological prediction methods.

Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge funding and software support from the National Basic Research
Program of China (973 Program, Grant No.: 2013CB036000).

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Advances in Civil and Structural Engineering III
10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.501-504

Tunnel Seismic Prediction (TSP) and its Application in Tunnel Engineering

10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.501-504.1779

DOI References
[1] Q. Wu and W.F. Zhou: Environmental Geology, Vol. 56 (2008), pp.245-254.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00254-007-1160-5
[6] A. Alimoradi, A. Moradzadeh, R. Naderi and et al.: Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol.
23 (2008), pp.711-717.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2008.01.001