Experimental investigation on corroded and non-corroded RC tunnels under different loading conditions

Abstract

Underground reinforced concrete (RC) structures, such as tunnels and pipelines, are frequently employed in urban areas and are designed to withstand both static and seismic loads, including those that occur during earthquakes. However, the inspection of deteriorated underground structures has yielded valuable findings for the civil engineering community, highlighting the need for further experimental investigation of the various damage mechanisms affecting RC tunnels under different loading conditions. This research presents a comprehensive experimental study aimed at elucidating the damage mechanisms of underground RC structures exposed to various loading conditions. Specifically, the study includes experimental testing of the corrosion of tunnel reinforcement and an investigation into the overall performance of corroded tunnels. The experimental results indicate that existing vertical loads significantly impact the lateral carrying capacity and ductility of RC tunnels.