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

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

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

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

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.351-364
• /
• 2020

This paper numerically investigates the effects of a dip-slip fault (a normal or a reverse fault) movement on a segmental tunnel which transversely crosses either of this kind of faults. After calibration of the numerical model with results from literature of centrifuge physical tests, a parametric study is conducted to evaluate the effects of various parameters such as the granular soil properties, the fault dip angle, the segments thickness, and their connections stiffnesses on the tunnel performance. The results are presented and discussed in terms of the ground surface and tunnel displacements along the longitudinal axis for each case of faulting. The gradient of displacements and deformations of the tunnel cross section are also analyzed. It is shown that when the fault dip angle becomes greater, the tunnel and ground surface displacements are smaller, in the case of reverse faulting. For this type of fault offset, increasing the tunnel buried depth causes tunnel displacements as well as ground surface settlements to enhance which should be considered in the design.

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

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

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.471-486
• /
• 2022

The effect of segmental joints is one of main importance for the segmental lining design when tunnels are excavated by a mechanized process. In this paper, segmental tunnel linings are analyzed by two numerical methods, namely the Beam-Spring Method (BSM) and the Solid-Interface Method (SIM). For this purpose, the Tehran Subway Line 6 Tunnel is considered to be the reference case. Comprehensive 2D numerical simulations are performed considering the soil's calibrated plastic hardening model (PH). Also, an advanced 3D numerical model was used to obtain the stress relaxation value. The SIM numerical model is conducted to calculate the average rotational stiffness of the longitudinal joints considering the joints bending moment distribution and joints openings. Then, based on the BSM, a sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the influence of the ground rigidity, depth to diameter ratios, slippage between the segment and ground, segment thickness, number of segments and pattern of joints. The findings indicate that when the longitudinal joints are flexible, the soil-segment interaction effect is significant. The joint rotational stiffness effect becomes remarkable with increasing the segment thickness, segment number, and tunnel depth. The pattern of longitudinal joints, in addition to the joint stiffness ratio and number of segments, also depends on the placement of longitudinal joints of the key segment in the tunnel crown (similar to patterns B and B').

• Geomechanics and Engineering
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.411-424
• /
• 2023

Reasonable estimates of tunnel lining dislocations in the operation stage, especially under longitudinal differential settlement, are important for the design of waterproof gaskets. In this paper, a modified shell-joint model is proposed to calculate shield tunnel dislocations under longitudinal differential settlement, with the ability to consider the nonlinear shear stiffness of the joint. In the case of shell elements in the model, an elastoplastic damage constitutive model was adopted to describe the nonlinear stress-strain relationship of concrete. After verifying its applicability and correctness against a full-scale tunnel test and a joint shear test, the proposed model was used to analyze the dislocation behaviors of a shield tunnel in Shanghai Metro Line 2 under longitudinal differential settlement. Based on the results, when the tunnel structure is solely subjected to water-earth load, circumferential and longitudinal joint dislocations are all less than 0.1 mm. When the tunnel suffers longitudinal differential settlement and the curvature radius of the differential settlement is less than 300 m, although maximum longitudinal joint dislocation is still less than 0.1 mm, the maximum circumferential joint dislocation is approximately 10.3 mm, which leads to leakage and damage of the tunnel structure. However, with concavo-convex tenons applied to circumferential joints, the maximum dislocation value reduces to 4.5 mm.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.109-128
• /
• 2022

The precise inspection for safety and diagnosis (PISD) of tunnel has been conducted by the special act on safety control of public structures. However, the present assessment for the segmental lining of TBM tunnel has limitation such as: NDTs for integrity, segmental configuration for field inspection, and consideration for jacking system. Even if the number of TBM tunnel is less than 1% of enrolled facility in FMS, more attention to maintenance should be necessary due to its usage such as multi-use facility and national important facility. Compared to NATM tunnel, excavated by drilling and blasting and then installed lining by cast-in-place within 6~12 m, TBM tunnel is cut out ground by disk and cutter-bit and then assembled 7 pieces of precast segment, 1.2~1.4 m wide. Different features of design, construction, and maintenance should be considered to be more exact evaluation of TBM tunnel. The characteristics of defect is categorized and analyzed with 11 operational TBM tunnels in domestic subway. To be more comprehend various particular defects, foreign studies have been also adapted. Crack and leakage are categorized in 7 patterns. Breakage/spalling and corrosion are also grouped into 3 patterns. Patterned defects or damages are fed back in design, construction, and are useful guidelines for maintenance stage in future.