Dynamic modeling of water level in water transfer tunnels on railroad tunnel forces

This study centers on the impact of water level fluctuations in water transfer tunnels regarding the mechanical response characteristics of railroad tunnels. Via a meticulously designed model test, the variation pattern of tunnel lining strain under diverse water level circumstances is thoroughly examined, furnishing a crucial foundation for the design, construction, and safe operation of tunnel engineering. The outcomes denote that water level alterations remarkably influence the tunnel's mechanical response. Each parameter exhibits disparate trends with the ascending water level, and discrepancies exist in the response features of different cross-sectional locations. The test results are as follows: (1) When the water level in the water transfer tunnel is 1 cm, the compressive strain at the outer elevated arch of section I reaches the maximum, and the compressive strain at the inner left arch foot is also the largest. (2) The tensile strain at the outer right arch waist of section II is the greatest, and the compression at the inner right arch waist is severe; the tensile strain at the outer right arch foot of section II exceeds the compressive strain at the arch top, and the compressive strain at the inner right arch foot is the largest. These findings offer a scientific underpinning for exploring the effect of water level loading on the mechanical response of the tunnel structure within the tunnel section beneath the water transfer tunnel, which is highly significant for enhancing project quality and ensuring operational safety.