Monitoring tectonic activity in tunnel walls with radar interferometry: a case study of tunnels of Hormozgan Province, Iran

Abstract

Communication and transportation networks are among the most important infrastructures critically involved in the development of different countries. The structural and tectonic position of Iran causes significant damage to its communication networks every year. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an integrated and flexible approach for assessing seismic risk in terms of available indicators. The differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR) technique is among the most effective and suitable techniques for monitoring land surface change. Therefore, this research aimed to estimate the displacement rate caused by the activity of fault lines over the railway tunnels in Hormozgan. The results revealed that the displacement rate was higher in parts with a higher fault density and intersection. Specifically, the amount of displacement due to tectonic activity in the studied area was estimated between 1.2 and 2.7 cm per year. Accordingly, the railway tunnels of Hormozgan are at risk of destruction over time.