New 3D failure analysis of water-filled karst cave beneath deep tunnel

In this study, both 2D and 3D failure shapes of rock mass above the water-filled cavity are put forward when the surrounding rock mass cannot bear the pressure caused by the water-filled cavity. Based on the analytical expressions derived by kinematic approach, the profiles of active and passive failure patterns are plotted. The sensitivity analysis is conducted to explore the influences of different rock parameters on the failure profiles. During the excavation of the deep tunnels above the karst cavity, the water table always changes because of progressive failure of cavity roof. Therefore, it is meaningful to discuss the effects of varying water level on the failure patterns of horizontal rock layers. The changing laws of the scope of the failure pattern obtained in this work show good consistency with the fact, which could be used to provide a guide in engineering.