Analytical algorithms of compressive bending capacity of bolted circumferential joint in metro shield tunnels

Abstract

The integrity and bearing capacity of segment joints in shield tunnels are associated closely with the mechanical properties of the joints. This study focuses on the mechanical characteristics and mechanism of a bolted circumferential joint during the entire bearing process. Simplified analytical algorithms for four stress stages are established to describe the bearing behaviors of the joint under a compressive bending load. A height adjustment coefficient, α, for the outer concrete compression zone is introduced into a simplified analytical model. Factors affecting α are determined, and the degree of influence of these factors is investigated via orthogonal numerical simulations. The numerical results show that α can be specified as approximately 0.2 for most metro shield tunnels in China. Subsequently, a case study is performed to verify the rationality of the simplified theoretical analysis for the segment joint via numerical simulations and experiments. Using the proposed simplified analytical algorithms, a parametric investigation is conducted to discuss the factors affecting the ultimate compressive bending capacity of the joint. The method for optimizing the joint flexural stiffness is clarified. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the design and prediciting the damage of bolted segment joints in shield tunnels.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

shield tunnel / segment joint / joint structural model / failure mechanism

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Notations

h: core concrete thickness

h₁: distance from the bottom edge of the sealing gasket to the neutral axis of the segment

h₂: concrete thickness of outer edge

h₃: caulking width of sealing gasket

h₄: inner edge concrete thickness

b: segment thickness

d: distance from the lower edge of the sealing gasket to the bolt

d₁: distance from bolt to inner edge of segment

2t: bolt length

Δ: segment joint gap

y: compression zone height of segment

θ: joint corner

T_b: bolt tension

σ_c: compressive stress on the upper edge of the segment core concrete

{\sigma }_{\mathrm{c}}^{\prime }: compressive stress at the lower edge of segment core concrete

σ_cmax: compressive strength of segment concrete

α: height adjustment coefficient of outer concrete compression zone

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 51978019 and 52278382) and the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality (No. 8222004).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2023 Higher Education Press