The ultimate bearing capacity of rectangular tunnel lining assembled by composite segments: An experimental investigation

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.