Bearing capacity and mechanical properties of tunnel anchorage layer under full-face and large-face excavation

With the development of large-scale mechanized construction techniques, tunnel excavation is predominantly executed using either full-face or large-face methods, often supplemented with anchor-bolt reinforcement. However, the reinforcement mechanism of prestressed anchor bolts and the impact of excavation methods on the anchorage layer are yet to be comprehensively clarified through an integrated lens that bridges the macroscopic bearing capacity with mesoscopic mechanical properties. In this study, diverse support types and excavation methods were considered to perform a comprehensive series of loading and failure tests on tunnel anchorage layers. Through the incorporation of stress monitoring, P-wave velocity analysis, and particle image velocimetry (PIV), this study revealed the reinforcement mechanisms of prestressed anchor bolts. In parallel, it delineates the influence of excavation methods on both the macroscopic bearing capacity and mesoscopic mechanical properties of the anchorage layer. The experimental findings revealed that prestressed anchor-bolt reinforcement induced a progressive evolution in the surrounding rock, characterized by sequential modifications in stress, integrity, mechanical properties, ductility, and bearing capacity. Relative to the unsupported conditions, the prestressed anchor-bolt reinforcement yielded substantial enhancements: stress improved by approximately 245.5%, integrity by 14.3%, mechanical properties by 9.8%, ductility by 147.7%, and bearing capacity by up to 500%. In unsupported conditions or with anchor bolts, large-face excavation demonstrated superior performance relative to full-face excavation, enhancing both the mesoscopic mechanical properties and macroscopic bearing capacity by approximately 2.8%–6.9% and 50%–100%, respectively. The findings indicate that large-face excavation is the preferred method under these support conditions. However, when prestressed anchor-bolt reinforcement is used, the differences between the two construction methods become negligible, rendering full-face excavation the more practical construction option.