Study on Construction Mechanical Effect and Optimization of Large-Span Variable Cross-Section of Railway Tunnel

During the excavation process of a large-span variable cross-section of a tunnel, the deformation and stress characteristics of the surrounding rock supporting the structure are complex, and construction control is difficult. Based on an actual tunnel project, the mechanical effect and deformation characteristics of the surrounding rock and support structure of a large-span variable cross-section tunnel during its excavation and support process were studied via numerical simulation. The construction method, using the bench method to excavate and set up the transition section in the variable cross-section, was proposed. Based on the numerical simulation results, two optimized excavation schemes were proposed and analyzed to address the construction method conversion problems in constructing large-span variable cross-section tunnels. The rationality of the optimized construction scheme was verified through a comparison with field monitoring data. The research results show that the three-bench temporary inverted arch method supported by the temporary vertical portal frame has good applicability in constructing the large-span variable cross-section tunnel. This scheme can effectively control the stress concentration and excessive deformation of the surrounding rock in the large-span variable cross-section tunnel. The numerical simulation results agree with the field monitoring data, which verifies the rationality of analyzing the construction mechanical effects of variable cross-section tunnels and selecting construction schemes through numerical simulation. The research results can provide reference for the construction of similar tunnel projects.