Seismic Performance of a Subway Station-Tunnel Junction Structure: A Shaking Table Investigation and Numerical Analysis

Abstract

Damage cases show that during earthquakes, the sharp stiffness mutation of subway station-tunnel junction structures can lead to dislocations at the connections. To address this, shaking table tests were conducted followed by numerical simulations of a typical junction structure with rigid connections. The modeling method was verified based on the test results. Furthermore, numerical models of junction structures with rigid and flexible connections, single stations, and single tunnels were built, and deformation modes and stress distributions were comparatively analyzed. Combining the experimental and numerical results, it is found that there exists an intensive deformation inconsistency between the stations and the tunnels responsible for the junction structures’ dislocation failures. The station operates in both racking and distortion deformation modes when the tunnel undergoes ovaling deformation. The tunnel bends relative to the end wall at the connection. The junction structure with rigid connections is most at risk at the point located at the tunnel section connected to the end wall and near the bottom plate-sidewall joint. With flexible connections, the tunnels integrally translate relative to the end wall, and the stress response of the end wall openings can be larger than those with rigid connections.