Analysis on the Seismic Performance of Shock Absorption Layer Applied in Tunnel Lining Structure Using Shaking Table Model Tests

Abstract Shock absorption layer is a relatively simple and effective aseismic measure, which can bear the adverse effects of surrounding rock deformations and buffer the forces acting on lining structure with seismic action. This paper conducts a series of shaking table model tests to analyze and compare the aseismic performances of tunnel lining structure with and without shock absorption layer in different grades of surrounding rocks, in which the superior thickness of shock absorption layer is determined. Therein, it is concluded that the shock absorption layer has prominent influence on reducing the acceleration responses of surrounding rock and lining structure with seismic excitation. The setting of the shock absorption layer can reduce the acceleration amplitude of tunnel lining with seismic excitation by about half. Furthermore, the setting of 1 cm shock absorption layer will increase the Fourier amplitudes and change the vibration frequencies of surrounding rock and lining structure with seismic excitation, while the setting of 2 cm shock absorption layer can significantly decrease the Fourier amplitudes and keep the vibration frequencies of surrounding rock and lining structure with seismic excitation. Therefore, the aseismic effect of 2 cm shock absorption layer is better than the aseismic effect of 1 cm shock absorption layer, which can both reduce the acceleration amplitude and Fourier amplitude of tunnel lining with seismic excitation while keep its characteristics in frequency domain. This research on the aseismic performance of shock absorption layer can contribute to the construction of tunnel engineering and improve the safety of tunnel lining structure.