Tunnels are usually considered as important and costly constructions and
therefore it is very necessary to estimate their performance and analyze
their structural behavior to maintain their safety in order to ensure their
reliability and performan
ce during their hypothetical life.
In this issue we reviewed the situation of Syrian railway tunnels on Aleppo –
Lattakia axis from the field observations which show that these tunnel
linings are cracked.
The numerical method, which is known as Distinct Element Method, was
used in the analysis of cracked lining. This method performs modeling of
discontinuous systems. We focused in this study on the concrete type
through elasticity modulus and lining thickness. The result analysis shows
that the effects of cracks modify the distribution of stresses and
displacements in the lining. This modification is related to concrete elasticity
modulus and mechanical crack characteristics.
