A Prototype Load Test on Fracture and Damage Properties of Cracked Shield Tunnel Lining Segments

Abstract

In this paper, a prototype load test on cracked shield tunnel lining segment was conducted to study fracture properties of the segment with initial crack. Principle and process of the test were introduced, and test phenomena were detailedly depicted. Experimental results reveal that lining segment with initial crack finally shows the I-type fracture property, and the failure mode is dominated by the initial crack. Deformation and damage of the specimen show obvious phases, which consist of initial crack, cracking stage, steady crack propagation, unsteady crack propagation and eventual failure. Fracture energy of the specimen is also estimated through the measured load-displacement curve.