Contribution to methodology for developing fragility curves of shallow metro tunnels

Summary of undergratuate diploma thesis


Fragility curves express the probability of structural damage due to earthquakes as a function of ground motion indices, e.g., PGA, PGV. Based on the actual damage data of tunnels from various earthquakes, a set of empirical fragility curves was constructed. However, the stuctural performance (static and dynamic), divisions between the reasons that cause damage and the shape of tunnels were not considered to construct the empirical fragility curves. In this study, a numerical approach was adopted to construct fragility curves for metro tunnels. 

An one-dimension analysis software and a finite element analysis program were chosen to approach the aforementioned probem. Using the stong motion records from three earthquakes, which response spectrum were close to the elastic response spectrum of soil A (EC8), linear dynamic analysis were performed. Various kinds of soils with different velocities of shear waves each, were simulated.  Peak Ground Accelaration varied from 0.1g to 0.8g. The output of the one-dimensional analysis were the ground motion time histories. The ground displacement time history, that corresponded with maximum shear deformation in the tunnel’s depth, was imposed on the simulated model. An inelastic finite element pseudo-static analysis was proposed for evaluating the response of tunnel due to earthquakes. A numerical simulation of the seismic response of the tunnel based on dynamic analysis is also used. Some typical cross-sections tunnels were used. A wide parametric analysis was performed. The corresponding variabilities were the tunnel diameter, the lining thickness and the cover depth. The results of all the above analysis are presented in relevant diagrams. In addition the construction of Peak Ground Accelaration - Shear Strain diagram was attempted. 

A methodology for constructing analytical fragility curves as a function of PGA was developed utilizing moment values. A median and a standard deviation value of the resistance of the lining were computed after statistical analysis. Using the damage indices and ground motion indices, fragility curves were constructed. Two damage states that depict minor and moderate damage were represented. These curves were compared with the empirical ones (like those from Hazus) and other damage data found in prior studies. The proposed approach may be used in constructing the fragility curves for TBM and Cut and Cover tunnels.