Mechanics of tunnel structure with ear wall

Tunnel with ear wall is a new special tunnel in highways, and it is applied to the end or exit of unsymmetrical pressure mutil-arch tunnel. According to a case study of Dianhuiping multi-arch tunnel project, a FEM model for tunnel with ear wall is established. Mechanical characteristics of surrounding rock, ear wall and supporting structure are analyzed based on different ratios of unsymmetrical pressure P (P＝7.0，P＝4.0，P＝2.5). Design and construction procedures of the tunnel with ear wall are optimized. Research results show that mechanics of surrounding rock, ear wall and supporting structure are reasonable when the ratio of unsymmetrical pressure is 4.0, and prove that the design of the tunnel with ear wall is successful and reasonable.