Mechanical Behavior of Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete Tunnel Lining Segments.

Safeer Abbas,Moncef Nehdi

doi:10.3390/ma14092378

Abstract

Ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) is a novel material demonstrating superior mechanical, durability and sustainability performance. However, its implementation in massive structures is hampered by its high initial cost and the lack of stakeholders’ confidence, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the present study explores, for the first time, a novel application of UHPC, incorporating hybrid steel fibers in precast tunnel lining segments. Reduced scale curved tunnel lining segments were cast using UHPC incorporating hybrid 8 mm and 16 mm steel fibers at dosages of 1%, 2% and 3% by mixture volume. Flexural and thrust load tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of UHPC tunnel lining segments thus produced. It was observed that the flow of UHPC mixtures decreased due to steel fibers addition, yet steel fibers increased the mechanical and durability properties. Flexural tests on lining segments showed that both the strain hardening (multiple cracking) and strain softening (post-peak behavior) phases were enhanced due to hybrid addition of steel fibers in comparison with the control segments without fibers. Specimens incorporating 3% of hybrid steel fibers achieved 57% increase in ultimate load carrying capacity and exhibited multiple cracking patterns compared to that of identical UHPC segments with 1% fibers. Moreover, segments without fibers incurred excessive cracking and spalling of concrete at the base under the thrust load test. However, more stable behavior was observed for segments incorporating steel fibers under the thrust load, indicating its capability to resist typical thrust loads during tunnel lining field installation. This study highlights the potential use of UHPC with hybrid steel fibers for improved structural behavior. Moreover, the use of UHPC allows producing structural members with reduced cross-sectional dimensions, leading to reduced overall structural weight and increased clear space.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe premature corrosion of steel rebar and associated degradation of concrete infrastructure has led to the development of new ultra-durable cement-based composite materials
New developments in supplementary cementitious materials, chemical admixtures, steel fibers and related technologies stimulated the introduction of the so-called ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC)
The original contribution of this study is to investigate the structural behavior of UHPC tunnel lining segments made with hybrid steel fiber addition (8 mm and 16 mm) at various dosage levels

Summary

Introduction

The premature corrosion of steel rebar and associated degradation of concrete infrastructure has led to the development of new ultra-durable cement-based composite materials. New developments in supplementary cementitious materials, chemical admixtures, steel fibers and related technologies stimulated the introduction of the so-called ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC). UHPC requires specific mixture design, mixing sequence and mixing methods to ensure strong micro- and macro-internal structure along with very dense particle packing, leading to almost zero porosity [1,2,3,4] This can be achieved through carefully selecting UHPC constituents and their particle size gradation, reducing the maximum size of aggregates, using low w/c, pozzolanic materials and adding steel iations

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion