• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.75-85
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• 2014

The application of the mechanized tunnelling has been extended in recent years. There are at present different approaches that are used in the design of segmental tunnel linings supported in mechanized tunnels. Even though segmental lining is utilized for mechanized tunnels, its behaviour is still quite unclear under in situ stress and there is a lack of data regarding the distribution of stresses inside segmental linings. So far no single effective calculation method exists for segmental lining design. The lack of clear solutions makes the use of segmental lining to be more expensive due to the adoption of greater safety factors. Therefore, a particular attention must be given in order to obtain data from monitored tunnels which permits to validate design methods. In this study, strain measurements, which were conducted during the construction of twin tunnels in the Bologna-Florence railway line, have been presented. The behaviour of segmental lining during the excavation and the influence of a new tunnel excavation on an existing tunnel have been shown through the measured data. The data are then compared with the results obtained with Einstein and Schwartz's method and Duddeck and Erdmann's method, which permits to highlight the fact that the two analytical methods underestimate structural forces induced in the segmental lining and then must be used with caution.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.293-299
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• 2018

This paper has the aim of estimating the applicability of a numerical approach to the Hyperstatic Reaction Method (HRM) for the analysis of segmental tunnel linings. For this purpose, a simplified three-dimensional (3D) numerical model, using the $FLAC^{3D}$ finite difference software, has been developed, which allows analysing in a rigorous way the effect of the lining segmentation on the overall behaviour of the lining. Comparisons between the results obtained with the HRM and those determined by means of the simplified 3D numerical model show that the proposed HRM method can be used to investigate the behaviour of a segmental tunnel lining.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.741-750
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• 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical responses of a high-speed railway shield tunnel subjected to impact by a derailed train, with emphasis on the protective effect of the secondary lining. To do so, the extended finite element method was used to develop two numerical models of a shield tunnel including joints and joint bolts, one with a cast-in-situ concrete secondary lining and one without such a lining. The dynamic responses of these models upon impact were analyzed, with particular focus on the distribution and propagation of cracks in the lining structures and the mechanical responses of the joint bolts. The numerical results showed that placing a secondary lining significantly constricted the development of cracking in the segmental lining upon the impact load caused by a derailed train, reduced the internal forces on the joint bolts, and enhanced the safety of the segmental lining structure. The outcomes of this study can provide a numerical reference for optimizing the design of shield tunnels under accidental impact loading conditions.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.13-30
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• 2016

This paper concerns the development of an optimized TBM segmental lining design system for a subsea tunnel. The subsea tunnel is normally laid down under the sea water and submarine ground which consists of soil or rock. The design system is the series of process which can predict segmental lining member forces by ANN (artificial neural network system), analyze suitable section for the designated ground, construction and tunnel conditions. Finally, this lining design system aims to be connected with a BIM system for designing the subsea tunnel automatically. The lining member forces are predicted based on the ANN which was calculated by a FEM (finite element analysis) and it helps designers determine its segmental lining dimension easily without any further FE calculations.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.263-275
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• 2014

The development of transportation in large cities requires the construction of twin tunnels located at shallow depth. As far as twin tunnels excavated in parallel are concerned, most of the cases reported in literature focused on considering the effect of the ground condition, tunnel size, depth, surface loads, the relative position between two tunnels, and construction process on the structural lining forces. However, the effect of the segment joints was not taken into account. Numerical investigation performed in this study using the $FLAC^{3D}$ finite difference element program made it possible to include considerable influences of the segment joints and tunnel distance on the structural lining forces induced in twin tunnels. The structural lining forces induced in the first tunnel through various phases are considerably affected by the second tunnel construction process. Their values induced in a segmental lining are always lower than those obtained in a continuous lining. However, the influence of joint distribution in the second tunnel on the structural forces induced in the first tunnel is insignificant. The critical influence distance between two tunnels is about two tunnel diameters.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.481-497
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• 2017

In this paper, full-scale loading tests were performed on a rectangular segmental tunnel lining, which was assembled by steel composite segments, to investigate its load-bearing structural behavior and failure mechanism. The tests were also used to confirm the composite effect by adding concrete inside to satisfy the required performance under severe loading conditions. The design of the tested rectangular segmental lining and the loading scheme are also described to better understand the bearing capacity of this composite lining structure. It is found that the structural ultimate bearing capacity is governed by the bond capacity between steel plates and the tunnel segment. The failure of the strengthened lining is the consequence of local failure of the bond at waist joints. This led to a fast decrease of the overall stiffness and eventually a loss of the structural integrity.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.411-424
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• 2019

In this study, a numerical model of a shield tunnel with an assembled segmental lining was built. The seismic response of the segmental lining of the section of the shield tunnel in Line 1 of the Chengdu Metro is analyzed as it passes through the interface of sand-cobble and mudstone layers. To do so, the node-stress seismic-motion input method was used to input the seismic motion measured during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, and the joint openings and dislocations associated with the earthquake action were obtained. With reference to the Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) sealing gaskets used in the shield tunnels in the Chengdu Metro, numerical simulation was applied to analyze the contact pressure along the seepage paths and the waterproof property under different joint openings and dislocations. A laboratory test on the elastic sealing gasket was also conducted to study its waterproof property. The test results accord well with the numerical results and the occurrence of water seepage in the section of the shield tunnel in Line 1 of the Chengdu Metro during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake was verified. These research results demonstrate the deformation of segmental joint under earthquake, also demonstrate the relationship between segmental joint deformation and waterproof property.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.81 no.4
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• pp.513-522
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• 2022

Steel-concrete composite segments replacing the conventional reinforced concrete segments can provide the rectangular shield tunnel superiorities on bearing capacity, ductility and economy. A simplified model with high-efficiency on computation is proposed for investigating the nonlinear response of the rectangular tunnel lining composed of composite segments. The simulation model is developed by an assembly of nonlinear fiber beam elements and spring elements to express the transfer mechanism of forces through components of composite segments, and radial joints. The simulation is conducted with the considerations of material nonlinearity and geometric nonlinearity associated with the whole loading process. The validity of the model is evaluated through comparison of the proposed nonlinear simulation with results obtained from the full-scale test of the segmental tunnel lining. Furthermore, a parameter study is conducted by means of the simplified model. The results show that the stiffness of the radial joint at haunch of the ling and the thickness of inner steel plate of segments have remarkable influence on the behaviour of the lining.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.553-569
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• 2024

In recent tunneling projects, encounters with multi-layered strata have become more frequent as the desired scale of tunneling increases. Despite substantial practical experience, the design of large-diameter shield-driven tunnels often simplifies the surrounding ground as uniform, overlooking the complexities introduced by non-uniform geotechnical factors. This study comparatively analyzed the influence of design factors, particularly segment stiffness and joint parameters, on segmental lining behavior in layered ground conditions using numerical methods. A comprehensive parametric study revealed the significant impact of deformative interaction between the lining and the soft top soil layer on overall tunnel behavior. Permitting lining deformation in the soft soil layer effectively mitigated the induced internal forces but resulted in considerable tunnel lining convergence, adopting a peanut-shaped appearance. From a practical design perspective, application of a soft segment with lower stiffness near the stiff soil layer is an economically advantageous approach, alleviating internal forces within an acceptable convergence level. Notably, around the interfaces between soil layers with different stiffnesses, the induced internal forces in the lining were minimized based on joint rotational stiffness and location. This indicates the possibility of achieving an optimal design for segmental lining joints under layered ground conditions. Additionally, a preliminary design method was proposed, which sequentially optimizes parameters for joints located near soil layer interfaces. Subsequently, a specialized design based on the proposed method for complex multi-layered strata was compared with a conventional design. The results confirmed that the internal force was effectively relieved at an allowable lining deflection level.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.363-382
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• 2015

This paper presents a numerical study on the effect of segment assembly characteristics on the TBM segmental lining member section forces. Analyses have been carried out through the two-ring beam finite element model by Midas civil 2012+. TBM segment lining member forces are determined by various joint characteristics. In this study, the segmental member forces were investigated with various joint number and orientation at fixed values of joint stiffness, ground spring parameters. The numerical results were used to identify trends of the member forces in the tunnel lining with the segment assembly characteristics.