Evaluation of hydrogeological impact of tunnel engineering in a karst aquifer by coupled discrete-continuum numerical simulations

• Published in: Journal of hydrology (Amsterdam) 2021-06, Vol.597, p.125765, Article 125765
• Main Authors: Zheng, Xiaokang, Yang, Zhibing, Wang, Sheng, Chen, Yi-Feng, Hu, Ran, Zhao, Xian-Jin, Wu, Xing-Liang, Yang, Xu-Lie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Area of impact; Discharge; Drawdown; Karst groundwater system; Tunnel construction
• ISSN: 0022-1694; 1879-2707
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2020.125765

Anthropogenic disturbance of karst groundwater systems by large-scale underground engineering activities is an important topic but is difficult to address due to the compound influence of the heterogeneity and construction progression. In this study, we adopt the coupled discrete-continuum modeling approach where both the tunnels and karst conduits are treated as discrete channels. Based on extensive site characterization, groundwater observations, and tunnel discharge data, we establish a three-dimensional coupled model for a karst aquifer where deeply-buried, long tunnels are being constructed. We perform high-resolution simulations to quantitatively evaluate the spatial and temporal characteristics of the tunnel construction impact on a karst groundwater system. The simulation results satisfactorily reproduce the tunnel discharge time-series. We show that the excavation and lining schedule is an important factor to consider when evaluating the hydrogeological impact. During tunnel construction, the groundwater drainage through the tunnels (5.3 × 107 m3) accounts for a significant part of the total groundwater discharge (~11%) in the studied area. The continuous water influx to the tunnels results in widespread drawdown with an area of impact (with drawdown >5 m) covering 64.0% of the entire study area after four years of construction. The total discharge through karst conduits decreases by about 30% in response to the tunnel construction. Our simulation results predict that after completion of lining the groundwater system will slowly approach a groundwater level 5–10 m below the undisturbed level. This work demonstrates the use of coupled discrete-continuum models to study regional groundwater flow in karst aquifers affected by tunnel engineering activities and also provides a guidance for the impact assessment of other underground engineering projects in mining and transportation industries. The simulation methodology may be exploited for optimization of the construction plans to minimize hydrogeological impact and to ensure construction safety. •Hydrogeological impact of tunnel engineering on karst groundwater system is evaluated.•A three-dimensional coupled discrete-continuum groundwater flow model is established.•Tunnel excavation and lining schedule is considered in detail in the numerical model.•Continuous water influx to tunnels leads to severe drawdown with a large impact area.•After completion of lining the recovery of the karst groundwater sy