Seismic deformation mode transformation of rectangular underground structure caused by component failure

•This paper presents a non-linear FEM model of Daikai station. The simulation result well reproduces the bending failure of the intermediate column and the collapse of the ceiling.•The failure reason of the intermediate column is discussed and the mechanical mechanism of ceiling collapse caused by the intermediate column failure is given.•The influence of the stiffness ratio between ceiling and lateral walls on the seismic performance of rectangular underground structure is discussed. The seismic response of the underground structure is mainly affected by the restraint of the surrounding soil rather than the inertial effect, which is quite different from the ground structure. This paper presents a numerical study on the transformation of seismic deformation mode by the collapse process simulation of Daikai station during earthquake, aiming to illustrate the collapse mechanism of Daikai station and providing a reasonable aseismic structure form. Firstly, a three-dimensional finite element model for the seismic response of Daikai station is build and the collapse process is simulated. Then, the evolution of material damage and failure process of structure components are detailed discussed. Afterwards, two additional three-dimensional numerical models of rectangular underground structures with different cross section are built (with intermediate column or not). According to the numerical results, the relationship between the seismic response of rectangular underground structure and its section form is discussed. Finally, pertinence suggestions are proposed for the seismic design of cross section of rectangular underground structures.