Substantial time-dependent deformation and support failure in deep tunnels through water-rich red-bed soft rock present critical engineering challenges, yet the underlying mechanisms under hydro-mechanical coupling remain inadequately quantified. This study integrates wireless remote monitoring, laboratory testing, and theoretical analysis to investigate the stress-deformation behavior of surrounding rock and support structures. Results reveal that deformation evolves through four distinct stages as follows: sharp, slow, stable, and creep, with the creep stage—governed by pore-water pressure—accounting for over 40% of total displacement. Groundwater-induced clay mineral hydration and stress redistribution significantly weaken rock self-support capacity. Support elements exhibit degraded performance; rock bolts suffer interfacial bond failure, steel arches yield asymmetrically, and the secondary lining resists transmitted deformation pressure. A novel deformation rate-based failure criterion is proposed, revealing a progressive “local breakthrough-chain transmission–global instability” failure pathway. These findings provide a theoretical basis for stability control in deep buried tunnels under hydro-mechanical coupling.

This study focuses on Neogene red-bed soft rock tunnels in the Huicheng Basin, China. Through engineering geological investigation, remote wireless monitoring systems, and total station multi-parameter monitoring, the deformation characteristics of red-bed soft rock surrounding rock under high in situ stress environments and their influencing factors were systematically analyzed. The findings reveal that the surrounding rock deformation follows a three-stage evolutionary pattern of “rapid, slow, and stable”. Construction disturbances can disrupt the stable state, leading to “deep V-shaped” anomalies or double-step responses in deformation curves. Spatially, the deformation exhibits significant anisotropy, with the haunch area showing the maximum deformation (95 mm) and the vault the minimum (65–73 mm). Deformation stabilization requires 30–42 days, and a reserved deformation of 10 cm is recommended based on specifications. Mechanical behavior analysis indicates that the stress–strain curves of red-bed argillaceous sandstone are stepped, with increased confining pressure enhancing both peak and residual strengths, validating the necessity of timely support. The study elucidates a multi-factor coupling mechanism: rock mass classification, temporal–spatial effects (excavation face constraints and rheological properties), construction methods, in situ stress levels, and support timing (timely support during the rapid phase inhibits strength degradation) significantly influence deformation evolution. The spatiotemporal distribution of surrounding rock pressure shows that invert pressure increases most rapidly, while vault pressure reaches the highest magnitude, with construction disturbances triggering stress redistribution. This research provides theoretical and practical guidance for the design, construction optimization, and disaster prevention of red-bed soft rock tunnels.

High-rise concrete tower structures located in arid-cold regions with large diurnal temperature variations are subjected to significant solar-induced thermal loads, which can induce considerable thermal stresses and affect long-term durability. However, a comprehensive understanding of the spatiotemporal distribution of the temperature field and its correlation with atmospheric conditions remains insufficient, particularly based on field monitoring studies. This study aims to elucidate these relationships through continuous temperature monitoring of a high-rise concrete tower in Shanshan, Xinjiang, during a period of intense solar radiation. Surface and internal temperatures at different heights were measured alongside atmospheric temperature. The results show that the outer surface temperature closely follows the trend of the atmospheric temperature while generally being higher, indicating a strong correlation. In contrast, the inner surface temperature is lower and exhibits a weaker correlation with the atmosphere. A significant time lag of up to 3 h was observed between the peak temperatures of the outer and inner surfaces, attributable to the thermal inertia of concrete. The study identified notable vertical and through-thickness temperature gradients, with the maximum temperature difference reaching 12 °C. These findings provide crucial empirical data and mechanistic insights into the thermal behavior of high-rise concrete structures under extreme climates, establishing a solid foundation for subsequent thermal stress analysis and durability assessment. This research emphasizes the necessity of considering diurnal thermal cycles in the design and maintenance of such structures.