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Seismic Performance of Tunnels in Rock

September 10, 2026

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Project Description

The research will identify and quantify the vulnerabilities of tunnels in rock and improve their seismic performance. Roughly 50% to 70% of the inspected tunnels excavated in rock have suffered moderate to heavy damage during a strong earthquake. This level of damage is unacceptable and shows a systematic, widespread problem with the seismic design and evaluation of the seismic risk of these tunnels. Results from the award will improve our understanding of the interaction mechanisms between rock and tunnel support, will identify the sources of damage and failure, and develop tools that practitioners can use for a safe seismic design of tunnels. The objectives of the research will be accomplished through the following tasks: (1) Analytical and computational studies to support the experimental program; (2) Hybrid experiments of concrete tunnel liners in different rock mass structures; (3) Analysis of test results to obtain verified computational algorithms and models with predictive capabilities; and (4) Technology transfer of the research. The experiments consist of subjecting a circular concrete structure to the displacements imposed by seismic loading. The goal of the experiments is to monitor the response of the structure, from initial damage to final failure.

Start Date

January, 2027

Postdoc Qualifications

The researcher will have a doctoral degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering or in a field related to the tasks and objectives of the research. Experience in one or more of the following fields is desirable: experimental and computational rock mechanics, experimental structural engineering, hybrid simulation, numerical modeling of geotechnical and structural systems, laboratory instrumentation and data analysis.

Co-advisors

Antonio Bobet, bobet@purdue.edu, Civil Engineering
Shirley Dike, sdyke@purdue.edu, Mechanical Engineering
Julio Ramirez, ramirez@purdue.edu, Civil Engineering

Bibliography

Bobet, A., Fakhimi, A., Johnson, S., Morris, J., Tonon, F., and Yeung, M. (2009). Numerical Models in Discontinuous Media: A review of advances for rock mechanics applications. ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 135, No. 11, pp. 1547-1561.

Condori Uribe, J. W., Salmeron, M., Patino, E., Montoya, H., Dyke, S. J. and Silva, C. E. (2023). Experimental benchmark control problem for multi-axial real-time hybrid simulation. Frontiers Built Environment, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2023.1270996

Huo, H., Bobet, A., Fernández, G., and Ramírez, J. (2005). Load Transfer Mechanisms between Underground Structure and Surrounding Ground: Evaluation of the Failure of the Daikai Station. ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Vol. 131, No. 12, pp. 1522-1533.

Silva, C. E., Gomez, D., Maghareh, A., Dyke, S. J. and Spencer, B. F. (2020). Benchmark control problem for real-time hybrid simulation. Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymssp.2019.106381

Yu, H., Chen, J,. Bobet, A., and Yuan, Y. (2016). Damage observation and assessment of the Longxi tunnel at a faulted zone crossing. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 54, pp. 102-116.