Seismic damage classification and risk assessment of mountain tunnels with a validation for the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

This study proposes a new damage classification criterion to classify and quantify tunnel damage based on data collected from major earthquakes. The factors influencing seismic damage of mountain tunnels are studied and discussed, including seismic parameters, structural information, and ground conditions. Seismic risk assessment of tunnels is important for an effective disaster management plan. A risk-based assessment technique is proposed as a way to quantify the seismic risk of tunnels. The efficacy of the proposed method is illustrated using data from the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. ► A new scale to classify and quantify tunnel damage based on data collected from major earthquakes is proposed. ► The factors influencing seismic damage of mountain tunnels are studied and discussed. ► A risk-based assessment technique is proposed as a way to quantify the seismic risk of tunnels.