RESUMO
The impact of cyclic footage and intermediate principal stress on the stability of the tunnel-face area are analyzed in this study using the theory of limit analysis. The study introduces the unified strength theory and proposes three-dimensional logarithmic spiral failure modes with corresponding velocity fields. The influence of various parameters on the tunnel-face area stability is analyzed, and it is found that when the internal friction angle is less than 30°, the internal friction angle parameters should be improved first to enhance stability, while when the internal friction angle is greater than 30°, cohesion should be prioritized. When using the double shear uniform strength theory in the tunnel-face area, the intermediate principal stress can improve the stability of the tunnel face. Results show that Mohr-Coulomb criterion calculations are conservative in the good surrounding ground, but no similar conclusion has been obtained for the poor surrounding ground, and specific problems must be analyzed during construction.