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According to experiences, zones of weaknesses, joint systems and sliding surfaces in rock masses, have a great effect on the deformation behavior of tunnel cross section and the stress development in the shotcrete cover. The loosening and detaching of rock due to roof deformations in turn can take progressive dimensions and lead to roof fall and in extreme case cave to the surface. In this study, the effect of weakness zones on increasing roof deformations is demonstrated and the radius of influence of such weaknesses is determined using a FE- program for 3- dimensional continuum. Furthermore it is shown that the thickness of such disturbances does not significantly affect the development of deformations i.e. if the stiffness conditions remain constant. Also the viscous material causes greater deformations than the elastic one. Finally the study indicates that tangential stresses in the lining are also increased by weakness zones.

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The previous studies show that a high percentage of traffic accidents take place in two-lane rural highways and most of which happen at horizontal curves. Meanwhile the horizontal alignment is often subject to hard topographic conditions where because of economic aspects designers are forced to design horizontal curves at grades. Vertical angle of longitudinal slope reduces the normal force of vehicle on road and friction force in tire-pavement surface will decrease. This leads to a lack of sufficient driver control over the vehicle especially if the curve with small radius is located at downgrade. In this paper, the suitability of operating speed and lateral friction coefficient as geometric design criteria for horizontal curves in downgrades are studied with regard to traffic safety and vehicle stability. The investigation of speed reduction of the vehicles running on a horizontal curve at downgrade as a response of driver behavior and the use of friction ellipse theory give the available friction coefficient. Whereas the dynamic analysis of forces applied on the vehicle in curve which is located at downgrade if combined with operating speed results in the required coefficient of lateral friction. Finally, a comparison of these two parameters based on safety evaluation criteria gives an estimation of actual safety level in designing horizontal curve at downgrades with regard to AASHTO’s data in horizontal curve design.