Dynamic responses of shield tunnel structures with and without secondary lining upon impact by a derailed train

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical responses of a high-speed railway shield tunnel subjected to impact by a derailed train, with emphasis on the protective effect of the secondary lining. To do so, the extended finite element method was used to develop two numerical models of a shield tunnel including joints and joint bolts, one with a cast-in-situ concrete secondary lining and one without such a lining. The dynamic responses of these models upon impact were analyzed, with particular focus on the distribution and propagation of cracks in the lining structures and the mechanical responses of the joint bolts. The numerical results showed that placing a secondary lining significantly constricted the development of cracking in the segmental lining upon the impact load caused by a derailed train, reduced the internal forces on the joint bolts, and enhanced the safety of the segmental lining structure. The outcomes of this study can provide a numerical reference for optimizing the design of shield tunnels under accidental impact loading conditions.