Study on Temperature Distribution Law of Tunnel Portal Section in Cold Region Considering Fluid–Structure Interaction

Abstract

The design of tunnels in cold regions contributes greatly to the feasibility and sustainability of highways. Based on the heat transfer mechanism of the tunnel surrounding rock–lining–air, this paper uses FEPG software to carry out secondary excavation and development, then the air heat convection calculation model is established by using a three-dimensional extension of the characteristic-based operator-splitting (CBOS) finite-element method and the explicit characteristic–Galerkin method. By coupling with the heat conduction model of the tunnel lining and surrounding rock, the heat conduction-thermal convection fluid–structure interaction finite-element calculation model of tunnels in cold regions is established. Relying on the Qinghai Hekashan tunnel project, the temperature field of the tunnel portal section is calculated and studied by employing the fluid–structure interaction finite-element model and then compared with the field monitoring results. It is found that the calculated values are basically consistent with the measured values over time, which proves the reliability of the model. The calculation results are threefold: (1) The temperature of the air, lining, and surrounding rock in the tunnel changes sinusoidally with the ambient temperature. (2) The temperature of each layer gradually lags behind, and the temperature variation amplitude of the extreme value of the layer temperature gradually decreases with the increase in the radial distance of the lining. (3) In the vicinity of the tunnel entrance, the lining temperature of each layer remains unchanged, and the temperature gradually decreases or increases with the increase in the depth. The model can be used to study and analyze the temperature field distribution law of the lining and surrounding rock under different boundary conditions, and then provide a calculation model with both research and practical value for the study of the temperature distribution law of tunnels in cold regions in the future.