Field evaluation of tunnel surrounding rock damage and rockburst proneness based on the acoustic wave method

This article explores the field evaluation of tunnel surrounding rock damage and rockburst proneness using the acoustic wave method. The study focuses on deep-buried tunnels, which present unique engineering challenges due to high-stress environments and the potential for rockburst disasters. The research investigates the impact of surrounding rock damage on rockburst proneness and introduces a quantitative evaluation method based on the Geological Strength Index (GSI) and disturbance factor (D). The study also examines the correlation between rock mass wave velocity and rock mass parameters, providing a feasible approach for quantifying GSI and D. Field experiments were conducted on a tunnel project in western China, utilizing acoustic wave testing to measure the wave velocity of the surrounding rock. The results were used to calculate GSI and D values, which were then used to evaluate the rockburst proneness of the surrounding rock. The study found that there is a negative correlation between the degree of rock damage and rockburst proneness, with higher damage leading to lower rockburst proneness. The research also validated the effectiveness of the rockburst proneness evaluation method through on-site monitoring and analysis of rockburst behavior characteristics. The conclusions highlight the importance of considering the combined effects of geological conditions, energy storage characteristics, and excavation disturbances in evaluating rockburst proneness. The study provides valuable insights for construction sites and offers a reliable method for assessing the potential hazards associated with rockburst events.