Dynamic evaluation of mechanical parameters and basic quality index for tunnel surrounding rock using microseismic time-lapse tomography
Abstract
In deep tunneling engineering, the stability assessment and rock mass classification of the surrounding rock heavily depend on the precise acquisition of the physical and mechanical parameters and the basic quality index. However, traditional static investigation methods struggle to capture the real-time dynamic evolution of rock mass damage and the spatial heterogeneity of mechanical property degradation during excavation. To address this gap, this study uses microseismic time-lapse double-difference tomography to propose a comprehensive dynamic analysis method for evaluating the physical and mechanical parameters and the basic quality index of the tunnel surrounding rock. The results indicate that this method clearly identifies low-velocity damage zones within the surrounding rock in real time. Coupled with established relationship models correlating wave velocity with the rock properties, this approach dynamically and precisely delineates rock mass degradation zones and provides quality classifications of the surrounding rock. Influenced by excavation unloading and support installation, the surrounding rock wave velocities at different monitoring sections exhibit a distinct evolution pattern of initial steady state, unloading-induced degradation, and secondary compaction-induced recovery, accompanied by significant asymmetric spatial variations. The derived physical and mechanical parameters and the basic quality index demonstrate spatiotemporal evolution trends that are highly consistent with the wave velocity field variation. This study provides a scientific foundation and a reliable physical basis for the real-time adjustment of tunnel support designs and the early warning of instability under deep and complex geological conditions.
Document Type: Original article
Cited as: Yang, H., Yang, L., Li, Y., Lin, Z., He, H., Son, T. D. Dynamic evaluation of mechanical parameters and basic quality index for tunnel surrounding rock using microseismic time-lapse tomography. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2026, 21(2): 167-184. https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2026.08.07
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46690/ager.2026.08.07Keywords:
Microseismic monitoring, time-lapse tomography, physical and mechanical parameters, basic quality index, dynamic analysisReferences
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hongyun Yang, Lunren Yang, Yong Li, Zhi Lin, Hucheng He, Ta Duong Son
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