Case Study of Modified H–B Strength Criterion in Discrimination of Surrounding Rock Loose Circle

Intermediate principal stress is a significant factor when calculate to determine the surrounding rock loose circles. Based on it, this paper is trying to modify the Hoek–Brown strength criterion, and put forwards a theoretical formula of the loose circle radius. The theoretical formula is applied to Shimen Tunnel, and a comparative analysis between theoretical calculations and field test results is conducted. Here are the results as follows: 1) With an increase of intermediate principal stress, the strength of the rock mass increases and the surrounding rock becomes more difficult to break. Consequently, loose circle thickness is gradually reduced and forms a significant negative linear relationship with the Lodeparameter. 2) The results indicate that with a decrease of surrounding rock level in a three-lane hard rock tunnel, the radius of the loose circle increases continuously. 3) The results of the field acoustic wave test show that the theoretical calculation values are consistent with the field measurement results. According to above analysis, the deduced formula is feasible.