Prototype test of the mechanical behavior and failure mechanism of segment structure with distributed mortises and tenons

Abstract

AbstractReinforcement measures are often employed to control the dislocation and joint opening between shield tunnel rings with large diameters. A full‐scale test were conducted on staggered assembly of segmental linings with three distributed mortises and tenons. The variations and characteristics of structural deformation, dislocation, and joint opening, were examined, and the failure mechanism and crack development of the structure were analyzed. The results indicate that (1) the structural deformation experiences slow linear and nonlinear increases when the reinforcement of the side ring is elastic and plastic, respectively; (2) the deformation between rings initially manifests as a dislocation, and the friction of the contact surface causes interaction between the rings. After the contact between a mortise and tenon, the deformation between the rings manifests as a rotational opening. The longitudinal bolt bears bending moments, whereas the mortise and tenon bear shear forces; (3) the initial crack of the segmental linings occurs at the edge of the side ring arch. The reinforcement attains plasticity causing the structure to lose stability and fail.