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We performed a factorial experiment to investigate the effects of current and prey odours (mussels) on the displacement behaviour of the sea star Asterias vulgaris (Verrill, 1866). This sea star is a common subtidal predator of sessile and slow-moving animals in the western North Atlantic Ocean. In the presence of current and prey odours in a flume, sea stars oriented themselves upstream and 70% succeeded in finding the prey. Also, the degree of orientation toward the prey increased as the sea star approached the prey. In contrast, only 5% of individuals tested in still water found the prey. Thus, for A. vulgaris the presence of macroscale flow is an essential condition for locating distant prey. Sea stars tested in current alone showed rheotactic behaviour, moving diagonally upstream. This behaviour should enhance the probability of encountering prey odour plumes in the field. Sea stars moved faster and straighter in flowing water than in still water. The slow movement of A. vulgaris in still water probably minimizes costs of foraging when there is a low chance of finding prey and the straight diagonal movement in current should ensure that the sea star continuously samples new areas, rather than resampling the same odour-free area.

In this paper a new analytical model is proposed to analyse the displacement behaviour of a tunnel face reinforced by bolts, using the homogenization approach for periodic media. Based on previous works, this new model was developed to take into account a finite bond strength of the grout–soil interface, which is more realistic than the perfect bonding assumption. The interface behaviour is simulated by an elastic – perfectly plastic constitutive law. The interface sliding occurs when the shear stress reaches the bond strength. This new feature allows for a more correct estimate of the bolt tension and the quantitative contribution of the bolt to reducing displacement of the ground surface. Despite using less restrictive hypotheses, the solution process remains sufficiently simple, thus preserving the analytical character of the solution. This new analytical model has been validated by three-dimensional (3D) numerical calculations using the finite difference code FLAC3D and by comparing its predictions with in situ data from the Tartaiguille Tunnel construction project, which forms part of the Mediterranean TGV (high speed railway) network. The developed approach results in simple and efficient design tools, which are very useful at the preliminary design stage of a project.Key words: tunnels, soil–structure interaction, reinforcement, numerical modelling and analysis, deformation, plasticity.