Physical and mechanical response of large-diameter shield tunnel lining structure under non-uniform fire: A full-scale fire test-based study

Abstract

When a fire occurs in an underground shield tunnel, it can result in substantial property damage and cause permanent harm to the tunnel lining structure. This is especially true for large-diameter shield tunnels that have numerous segments and joints, and are exposed to specific fire conditions in certain areas. This paper constructs a full-scale shield tunnel fire test platform and conducts a non-uniform fire test using the lining system of a three-ring large-diameter shield tunnel with an inner diameter of 10.5 m. Based on the tests, the temperature field distribution, high-temperature bursting, cracking phenomena, and deformation under fire conditions are observed. Furthermore, the post-fire damage forms of tunnel lining structures are obtained through the post-fire ultimate loading test, and the corresponding mechanism is explained. The test results illustrate that the radial and circumferential distribution of internal temperature within the tunnel lining, as well as the radial temperature gradient distribution on the inner surface of the lining, have non-uniform distribution characteristics. As a result, the macroscopic phenomena of lining concrete bursting and crack development during the fire test mainly occur near the fire source, where the temperature rise gradient is the highest. In addition, the lining structure has a deformation characteristic of local outward expansion and cannot recover after the fire load is removed. The ultimate form of damage after the fire is dominated by crush damage from the inside out of the lining joints in the fire-exposed area. The above results serve as a foundation for future tunnel fire safety design and evaluation.