Design guidelines for concrete segmental linings in transverse interaction with the TBM

Abstract

Despite growing evidence proving that sealing pressures and transverse jack forces are transient load cases relevant for concrete segmental lining (CSL) design, these TBM transverse actions are consistently omitted by current design guidelines. In this paper, the TBM transverse actions are examined in detail and a theoretical framework is proposed to help tunnel designers incorporate them into the basis of design and the analyses required for structural verification. The design guidelines are formulated starting with a set of equations for the computation of sealing pressures and the geometrical quantities governing the jack forces. The proposed calculation methods are deployed to classify and describe global construction scenarios of CSLs in transverse interaction with the TBM, including expected behaviour and damage modes. Guidelines for the definition of relevant transient design situations and subsequent engineering models are finally provided.