Optimization of Supporting Structures and Parameters of Tunnels in Soft Phyllite

The study investigated the extra-long Shuangxiling tunnel in soft phyllite within Nanchang–Ningdu highway in Jiangxi province, China. The supporting scheme of reducing the size and density of anchor rods while strengthening the stiffness and strength of preliminary support was put forward aiming at the repeated occurrence of great deformation of surrounding rocks during tunneling. Moreover, two groups of comparative supporting schemes were introduced for comparison. Based on the numerical simulation, the study calculated the amount of displacement deformation, stress on anchor rods, development of plastic zones, stress on shotcrete, and stress on secondary lining structure under different supporting schemes. By conducting field monitoring test, the surrounding rock deformations and pressures under different supporting schemes were monitored and measured in real time. The research results showed that after strengthening the stiffness and strength of preliminary support, the surrounding rock pressure on the supporting structure increased. It limited the preliminary stress release rate of surrounding rocks, protected the integrity of surrounding rocks and controlled the sustained deformation of surrounding rocks. However, weakening the size and density of anchor rods had an insignificant effect on the whole supporting effect. The result of field test was basically consistent with that obtained through numerical simulation, which theoretically and practically verified the scientificity and feasibility of the supporting scheme of weakening the size and density of anchor rod while strengthening the stiffness and strength of preliminary support. The research result provides references for the support optimization of similar tunnels along the highway.