• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.211-224
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• 2018

It is important to design tunnel support system considering the various loads acting on the tunnel because they have a direct impact on the stability of tunnels. In Korea, standardized support patterns are defined based on the rock mass classification system depending on the project, and it is stated that it should be modified appropriately considering the behavior of tunnel during construction. In this study, the tunnel support pattern optimization method is suggested based on the convergence-confinement method, earth pressure, axial force of rock bolt, and moment acting on the shotcrete. The length and spacing of the rock bolts and the thickness of the shotcrete were optimized by using the differential evolution algorithm (DEA) and the results were compared to the standard support pattern III for railway tunnel. Rock bolt length can be reduced and the installation interval can be widened for shallow tunnel. As the depth of tunnel increases, the thickness of shotcrete increases linearly. Therefore, the thickness of shotcrete should be thicker than the standard support pattern as the depth of tunnel increases to secure the stability of tunnel.