Numerical Investigation of the Seismic Performance of FRP-Reinforced Tunnel Linings Under Dynamic Excitation

Tunnel linings are critical structural components of underground infrastructure, and their seismic performance plays a decisive role in maintaining the serviceability and safety of tunnels. Under dynamic loading, excessive deformation and damage of the lining may reduce the effective cross-sectional capacity and threaten the minimum safety clearance required for tunnel operation. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the deformation behavior and failure mechanisms of tunnel linings subjected to seismic excitation and to evaluate the effectiveness of reinforcement measures. In this study, a coupled numerical framework combining the finite difference method (FLAC3D) and the discrete element method (PFC3D) is developed to analyze the dynamic response of tunnel lining systems. The surrounding rock mass is modeled in FLAC3D to simulate stress wave propagation and global deformation, while the tunnel lining is represented in PFC3D using bonded particles to capture crack initiation, propagation, and post-peak failure behavior. The proposed FLAC3D–PFC3D coupled approach provides an effective tool for evaluating the seismic performance of reinforced tunnel linings and offers a practical basis for the design and assessment of seismic strengthening measures in underground engineering.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Infrastructures
Published
2026-03-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures11030100
Primary Topic
Geotechnical Engineering and Underground Structures
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Numerical Investigation of the Seismic Performance of FRP-Reinforced Tunnel Linings Under Dynamic Excitation

Satoshi Sugimoto, Qiwei Lin, Yujing Jiang
Infrastructures
Geotechnical Engineering and Underground Structures
article

Numerical Investigation of the Seismic Performance of FRP-Reinforced Tunnel Linings Under Dynamic Excitation

Satoshi Sugimoto, Qiwei Lin, Yujing Jiang
article en

Abstract

Tunnel linings are critical structural components of underground infrastructure, and their seismic performance plays a decisive role in maintaining the serviceability and safety of tunnels. Under dynamic loading, excessive deformation and damage of the lining may reduce the effective cross-sectional capacity and threaten the minimum safety clearance required for tunnel operation. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the deformation behavior and failure mechanisms of tunnel linings subjected to seismic excitation and to evaluate the effectiveness of reinforcement measures. In this study, a coupled numerical framework combining the finite difference method (FLAC3D) and the discrete element method (PFC3D) is developed to analyze the dynamic response of tunnel lining systems. The surrounding rock mass is modeled in FLAC3D to simulate stress wave propagation and global deformation, while the tunnel lining is represented in PFC3D using bonded particles to capture crack initiation, propagation, and post-peak failure behavior. The proposed FLAC3D–PFC3D coupled approach provides an effective tool for evaluating the seismic performance of reinforced tunnel linings and offers a practical basis for the design and assessment of seismic strengthening measures in underground engineering.

InfrastructuresVol. 11(3)
Nagasaki University (JP)
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Geotechnical Engineering and Underground Structures
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.