Nonlinear simulation of tunnel linings with a simplified numerical modelling

Huiling Zhao , Xian Liu , Yihai Bao , Yong Yuan

Abstract

A high-efficiency simplified modelling approach is proposed for investigating the nonlinear responses of reinforced concrete linings of shield tunnels. Material and geometric nonlinearities are considered in the analysis of the lining structures undergoing large deformation before ultimately losing the load-carrying capacity. A beam-spring element model is developed to capture the force-transfer mechanism between lining segments and radial joints. The developed model is validated by comparing analyzed results to experimental results of a single-ring lining structure under two loading conditions: the ground overloading and the lateral unloading respectively. The results show that the lining structure under the lateral unloading due to excavation on the both sides of the tunnel is more vulnerable compared to the case of ground overloading on the top of the tunnel. A parameter study is conducted and results indicate that the lateral pressure coefficient has the greatest influence on the behaviour of the lining structure.

Key Words

shield tunnel lining; simplified model; radial joint model; nonlinear response

Address

Huiling Zhao — State Key Laboratory for Hazard Reduction in Civil Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, China; Department of Civil Engineering, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, China
Xian Liu, Yong Yuan — State Key Laboratory for Hazard Reduction in Civil Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, China; Department of Geotechnical Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai, China
Yihai Bao — Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, 95616, USA

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