Application of X-Ray CT on Boundary Value Problems in Geotechnical Engineering: Research on Tunnel Face Failure

Abstract

A tunnel face failure is simulated by pulling out a tunnel model set in a model ground. The ground is then investigated by X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanner in order to not only visualize the failure zone in three-dimensions but also evaluate mechanism of the face failure quantitatively. Based on the resulted failure mechanism, the stability analysis is conducted using limit equilibrium method. Finally, it is confirmed that X-ray CT is a useful tool even in geotechnical engineering fields, especially of solving boundary value problems.