Deformation recoverability of longitudinal joints in segmental tunnel linings: An experimental study

Abstract

The shield-driven tunnel is a fabricated lining structure. The existence of longitudinal joints between segments in a ring makes the entire tunnel lining vulnerable to deformations, because the rigidity of longitudinal joints is lower than that of the main concrete segments. Large transverse deformation, accompanied by joint opening, is a common disease of shield tunnels. The aim of this work is to explore the deformational behaviors and mechanical properties of tunnel longitudinal joints under overloading, unloading, and soil grouting conditions, with emphasis on the recoverability of joint deformation. For this purpose, a series of laboratory tests have been carried out on the full-scale longitudinal joints at tunnel crown adopted in Shanghai metro tunnels, including three parallel tests with different overload levels and one cyclic overloading and unloading test. The full-scale testing considers the actual stress state of the longitudinal joint under different working conditions in real environments. The specimen of the longitudinal joint at tunnel crown adopts the actual three-segment-two-oblique-seam structure, which is different from the simplified two-segment-one-straight-seam form used in previous studies. Multiple deformation indicators, including joint opening, concrete strain, and bolt strain, are monitored and analyzed. Based on the test results, the effects of restoration actions, i.e., unloading and soil grouting, on joint deformation recovery under different overload levels are discussed. The change of recovery efficiency with the degree of joint deformation is also obtained. In addition, the deformation recoverability and rotational stiffness are compared between the longitudinal joint at tunnel crown which is subjected to positive bending moment and the longitudinal joint at tunnel springline which is subjected to negative bending moment. The test results show that the larger the joint deformation caused by overload, the lower the recovery efficiency. From a mechanical perspective, soil grouting is an effective measure to recover the large deformation of shield tunnels.