Volume 2025, Issue 1 6652758
Research Article
Open Access

Prediction of Surrounding Rock Deformation in a Highway Tunnel Using an LSTM-RF Hybrid Model

Chen Yintao

Chen Yintao

School of Civil Engineering , Universiti Teknologi Malaysia , Johor Bahru , Johor , Malaysia , utm.my

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Shao Xin

Shao Xin

Test and Inspection Center , Zhejiang Scientific Research Institute of Transport , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China

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Chang Xiangyu

Corresponding Author

Chang Xiangyu

School of Civil Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore , Singapore , ntu.edu.sg

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Siti Norafida Bt. Jusoh

Siti Norafida Bt. Jusoh

School of Civil Engineering , Universiti Teknologi Malaysia , Johor Bahru , Johor , Malaysia , utm.my

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Lu Zhongxiang

Lu Zhongxiang

School of Civil Engineering , Universiti Teknologi Malaysia , Johor Bahru , Johor , Malaysia , utm.my

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Bao Hong Quan

Bao Hong Quan

Test and Inspection Center , Zhejiang Scientific Research Institute of Transport , Hangzhou , Zhejiang , China

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Han Xinkai

Han Xinkai

School of Civil Engineering , Universiti Teknologi Malaysia , Johor Bahru , Johor , Malaysia , utm.my

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Xu Jun

Xu Jun

Engineering Management Department , Keqiao District Construction Group Co. , Ltd. , Shaoxing , Zhejiang , China

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First published: 06 May 2025
Academic Editor: Yuanxin Zhou

Abstract

Accurate tunnel deformation prediction is critical for mitigating construction risks and ensuring tunnel stability. This study introduces a novel hybrid model integrating long short-term memory (LSTM) networks and random forest (RF) to enhance the precision of tunnel deformation predictions during construction. Bayesian optimization was utilized to fine-tune model parameters, ensuring optimal performance. Validated with multidepth data from the Yangjiashan highway tunnel in China, the hybrid model demonstrates remarkable adaptability to complex geological conditions. The results show that the LSTM-RF model achieves a mean square error (MSE) of 0.0025, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.0052, and a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9810, outperforming individual models and other hybrid frameworks in predicting deformation trends. By effectively capturing temporal dependencies and modeling nonlinear residuals, the hybrid model provides a robust and reliable solution for improving safety and efficiency in tunneling projects. These findings emphasize the potential of hybrid approaches for geotechnical engineering, particularly in predictive maintenance and infrastructure monitoring.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Data supporting the results of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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