Understanding the adverse effects of tunnel crossing active faults on tunnel structures is crucial for ensuring their safe operation and construction. This paper presents the results of a series of model tests conducted at a scale of 1:40 using a fault sliding test box. Three sets of fault comparison tests were carried out, namely: (1) the tunnel does not cross the fault, (2) the spring stiffness is reduced, and (3) the model is not reinforced. The objective was to study the failure characteristics of tunnels crossing active faults. The findings reveal that when the hanging wall moves downwards, cracks appear on the surrounding rock surface of the hanging wall, specifically above the tunnel lining crossing the fault. The lining is significantly damaged within the range of - 30-+ 30 cm. All points of axial force exhibit an increasing compression trend. The section of axial force and bending moment near the fault fracture surface is notably larger than that far from the fault fracture surface. The safety factor of the entire structure decreases sharply after dislocation, making the tunnel more susceptible to cracking at various locations such as the vault, arch waist, left and right arch feet, and inverted arch. It has been proven that the shear compression of the fracture surface during fault dislocation is the main cause of longitudinal through cracks in the lining. The use of springs with higher stiffness effectively ensures the reciprocating dislocation of the upper and foot walls, with long duration and large displacement, providing a better simulation of the dislocation of active faults.
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