Rock Engineering Problems 078

1. Estimate the magnitude of tangential stresses around a horseshoe shaped tunnel using
following input parameters. Assume suitable data if necessary.

Roof factor = 3.2

Wall factor = 2.3
Vertical stress = 25 MPa (750 m depth below surface)
Specific gravity of rock = 26 KN/m2
Ratio horizontal/Vertical Stress = 2.5

2. Discuss the influence of rock stress anisotropy on the distribution of a circular

underground opening for following conditions. Assume that the major principal stress is
approximately horizontal and perpendicular to the tunnel axis. Assume suitable data if
necessary.

a. Major Principal Stress/ Minor Principal Stress = 16/16 (MPa)

b. Major Principal Stress/ Minor Principal Stress = 16/8 (MPa)
c. Major Principal Stress/ Minor Principal Stress = 16/4 (MPa)

3. Calculate the water flow into a tunnel in l/second for following conditions. Assume
suitable data if necessary.

Length of tunnel = 4.5 Km

Potential Active head = 0.8 MPa
Distance between length axis and groundwater table = 20 m
Equivalent radius = 3 m
Specific Permeability = 10-15 m2
Dynamic viscosity of water = 0.0013 Kg(m.s)