This study reveals the damage mechanisms and fracture evolution characteristics of deeply buried granite with prefabricated joints (inclinations of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°) using uniaxial compression tests monitored by Acoustic Emission (AE) technology. Three-dimensional X-CT technology was used to analyze post-damage fracture evolution in specimens with varying joint inclinations. The results show that the stress–strain curve of deeply buried jointed granite under uniaxial compression includes three stages: initial compaction, crack extension, and failure. AE characteristics align with these stages, showing clear stress responses and timing features. In the initial compaction stage, micro-crack closure dominates, with smaller joint inclinations showing stronger closure effects. In the crack extension stage, joint inclination determines the crack propagation mode. In the failure stage, joint inclination significantly affects the spatial distribution of the rupture network by altering stress concentration areas and crack types. The proportion of shear micro-cracks increases with joint inclination, and peak strength rises with increasing joint angle, potentially accelerating micro-crack evolution. These findings provide valuable insights for designing excavation and instability monitoring in deeply buried multi-jointed granite underground projects.

The longitudinal seismic response characteristics of a shallow-buried water-conveyance tunnel under non-uniform longitudinal subsurface geometry and obliquely incident SV-waves was studied using the numerical method, where the effect of the non-uniform longitudinal subsurface geometry due to the existence of a local one-sided rock mountain on the seismic response of the tunnel was focused on. Correspondingly, a large-scale three-dimensional (3D) finite-element model was established, where different incidence angles and incidence directions of the SV-wave were taken into consideration. Also, the non-linearity of soil and rock and the damage plastic of the concrete lining were incorporated. In addition, the wave field of the site and the acceleration response as well as damage of the tunnel were observed. The results revealed the following: (i) a local inclined subsurface geometry may focus an obliquely incident wave due to refraction or total reflection; (ii) a tunnel in a site adjacent to a rock mountain may exhibit a higher acceleration response than a tunnel in a homogeneous plain site; and (iii) damage in the tunnel in the site adjacent to a rock mountain may appear in multiple positions, and the effect of the incidence angle on the mode of compressive deformation and damage of the lining is of significance.