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Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Integrating Karst Seepage Field Characteristics with Water Inrush Prediction Models of the Qigan Mountain Tunnel

Author

Listed:
  • Ke Zhang

    (China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu 610031, China)

  • Binbin Que

    (Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Lizhao Liu

    (Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Junjie Jiang

    (Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Xin Liao

    (Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China
    Sichuan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Ecological Mitigation of Geohazards in Tibet Plateau Transportation Corridors, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Zhongyuan Xu

    (Faculty of Geosciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China
    Sichuan Province Engineering Technology Research Center of Ecological Mitigation of Geohazards in Tibet Plateau Transportation Corridors, Chengdu 611756, China)

Abstract

[Objective] This study aims to assess and predict the risks of water inrush and leakage during tunnel excavation in karst regions, where groundwater intrusion poses serious threats to construction safety and long-term hydrogeological sustainability. [Study area] This study is conducted in the Qigan Mountain, involving detailed hydrogeological surveys and hydrochemical analyses to understand the subsurface conditions. [Methods] Numerical simulation methods are employed to model the regional seepage field distribution under natural conditions and two excavation conditions, using MODFLOW. [Challenges] One of the main challenges is accurately estimating tunnel water inflow under varying geological and hydrological conditions. [Results] The simulation results indicate that under excavation with blocking conditions, tunnel water inflow reaches 31,932 m 3 /d, whereas without blocking, inflow surges to 359,199 m 3 /d. In contrast, the theoretical calculation estimates a water inflow of 131,445 m 3 /d, revealing considerable discrepancies between the methods. [Recommendations] These findings highlight an important point of reference for the prevention of water influx in karst tunnel construction.

Suggested Citation

  • Ke Zhang & Binbin Que & Lizhao Liu & Junjie Jiang & Xin Liao & Zhongyuan Xu, 2025. "Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Integrating Karst Seepage Field Characteristics with Water Inrush Prediction Models of the Qigan Mountain Tunnel," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:10:p:4585-:d:1657833
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. De-xian Liang & Zhen-quan Jiang & Shu-yun Zhu & Qiang Sun & Zi-wei Qian, 2016. "Experimental research on water inrush in tunnel construction," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 81(1), pages 467-480, March.
    2. Zhen Zhao & Gongxi Liu & Guangxiong Qin & Huijuan Chen & Huizhu Chen & Wenxu Hu & Shaokang Yang & Jie Wang & Yuqing Zhang & Dongyang Zhao & Yu Liu & Yong Xiao, 2025. "Exploring the Hydrochemical Characteristics and Controlling Processes of Groundwater in Agricultural Lower Reaches of a Typical Arid Watershed on Tibetan Plateau," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-20, February.
    3. Jiutan Liu & Kexin Lou & Hong Tian & Chunqiang Ma & Bing Jiang & Zongjun Gao, 2025. "Characterization and Health Risks of Groundwater Hydrochemistry in the Upper Weihe River Basin," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-21, February.
    4. De-xian Liang & Zhen-quan Jiang & Shu-yun Zhu & Qiang Sun & Zi-wei Qian, 2016. "Experimental research on water inrush in tunnel construction," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 81(1), pages 467-480, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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