How to consider the effects of longitudinal joint imperfections on internal forces in segmental tunnel linings

Fabian Rauch, Oliver Fischer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Small geometrical imperfections are inevitable when assembling concrete segments to a circular segmental tunnel lining. As a result, small translational and rotational contact imperfections occur in the longitudinal joints between the segments. As these imperfections sum up, they can significantly influence the internal forces in the lining. While the normal forces are not very sensitive to imperfections, the bending moments and, consequently, the stresses in the lining can be significantly increased. In structural design, imperfections are typically taken into account in local analyses (e.g. stress distribution at joints). In the overall calculation of internal reactions, however, imperfections are mostly neglected or considered with approaches that strongly simplify the structural behavior. A more accurate and realistic investigation of this influence is achievable with numerical models that explicitly include the longitudinal joints and potential imperfections with contact formulations. Therefore, first, a suitable modeling strategy was developed. However, these calculations are time-consuming if many combinations have to be considered and only supported by limited available calculation programs. Therefore, it is shown and verified how imperfections can be considered in asimplified way with one-dimensional bedded beam models and rotational springs. The simplified approach's results approximate well the numerical model's results with discrete joints and contact formulations.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTunnelling for a Better Life - Proceedings of the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, WTC 2024
EditorsJinxiu Yan, Tarcisio Celestino, Markus Thewes, Erik Eberhardt
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages315-322
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781032800424
DOIs
StatePublished - 2024
EventITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, WTC 2024 - Shenzhen, China
Duration: 19 Apr 202425 Apr 2024

Publication series

NameTunnelling for a Better Life - Proceedings of the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, WTC 2024

Conference

ConferenceITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, WTC 2024
Country/TerritoryChina
CityShenzhen
Period19/04/2425/04/24

Keywords

  • assembly
  • FEM
  • imperfections
  • structural design
  • TBM
  • tolerances

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