Abstract:In the process of tunnel construction, the central diaphragm (CD) method is widely used in the construction of weak surrounding rock tunnel and large cross-section tunnel. The engineering experience shows that the CD method can reduce the disturbance to the tunnel and the possibility of collapse of the top surrounding rock more than the full section method. However, there is still a lack of in-depth understanding of this experience. For example, the collapse mechanism of the tunnel top by CD method has the quantitative advantage compared with the full section method. Therefore, a kinematic method to predict the failure mechanism of the roof of tunnels excavated by CD method is proposed. The theoretical solution for determining the shape of collapse block is derived. Compared with the full excavation method, he proposed method proves the rationality of the method and the superiority of the CD method. The study shows that compared with the results of full-section excavation, CD method can significantly reduce the height of roof collapse and improve the safety factor of roof stability.