Influence of secondary lining reinforcement on the mechanical properties of double-layer lining in shield tunnels

Abstract

Currently, the reinforcement design of shield tunnel secondary linings mainly depends on engineering experience, with a lack of clear guidance from relevant codes and literature. Relying only on experience during construction can cause structural flaws and safety hazards. This study, based on the Guangzhou–Shenzhen–Hong Kong Shiziyang Tunnel project, uses model tests to study shield tunnel double-layer lining structures. It compares and analyzes the mechanical features and interaction mechanisms of reinforced and unreinforced secondary linings. Results show that in such structures, segmental linings bear the main load, and secondary linings offer extra support and adjust deformation. Reinforcement in secondary linings affects the constraint on segmental linings. Reinforcement enhances overall performance significantly. Although it has little impact on ultimate bearing capacity, it prolongs the load-bearing process. Specifically, it increases the ultimate bearing capacity of segmental and secondary linings by 21.2% and 26.1%, respectively. For 10-m-diameter shield tunnels, secondary lining reinforcement design should be adopted when the equivalent overburden thickness at the tunnel crown exceeds three times the tunnel diameter.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

shield tunnel / double-layer lining / model test / reinforcement design / mechanical properties

References

[1] MunfahN APostaM P D. Full scale testing of tunnel liner. Towards New Worlds in Tunnelling, 1992: 315–320

[2] MurakamiHKoizumiA. Behavior of shield segment ring reinforced by secondary lining. Doboku Gakkai Ronbunshu, 1987, 1987(388): 85–94 (in Japanese)

[3] TakamatsuNMurakamiHKoizumiA. A study on the bending behavior in the longitudinal direction of shield tunnels with secondary linings. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Towards New World in Tunneling. Brookfield, VT: AA Balkema Publishers, 1992, 277–285

[4] Feng K , He C , Fang Y , Jiang Y . Study on the mechanical behavior of lining structure for underwater shield tunnel of high-speed railway. Advances in Structural Engineering, 2013, 16(8): 1381–1399

[5] TakamatsuNMurakamiHKoizumiA. Study on the analytical model on bending behavior in longitudinal direction of shield tunnel with secondary lining. Doboku Gakkai Ronbunshu, 1993, 1993(481): 97–106 (in Japanese)

[6] Wang S , Jian Y , Lu X , Ruan L , Dong W , Feng K . Study on load distribution characteristics of secondary lining of shield under different construction time. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2019, 89: 25–37

[7] Wang S , Ruan L , Shen X , Dong W . Investigation of the mechanical properties of double lining structure of shield tunnel with different joint surface. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 2019, 90: 404–419

[8] Wang S , Wang Y , Lin Z , Song Z , Wang X , Peng X . Analysis of the influence of the thickness insufficiency in secondary lining on the mechanical properties of double-layer lining of shield tunnel. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2022, 141: 106663

[9] Jiang J , Xu R , Chen W . Two-dimensional analysis of composite linings using mixed finite element and DQM. Engineering Structures, 2025, 322: 119077

[10] YangJ MTanZ S. Thoughts on the design of steel reinforcement for secondary lining of high-speed railway tunnels. Modern Tunneling Technology, 2017, 54(3): 1–7 (in Chinese)

[11] ZhangJ GHeCYangZ. Research on the reinforcement problem of lining structure for large underwater shield tunnels. Journal of the Railway Society, 2009, 31(5): 72–78 (in Chinese)

[12] Liu X , Sun Q , Song W , Bao Y . Numerical modeling and parametric study of hybrid fiber-rebar reinforced concrete tunnel linings. Engineering Structures, 2022, 251: 113565

[13] Abbas S , Soliman A M , Nehdi M L . Mechanical performance of RC and SFRC precast tunnel lining segments: A case study. ACI Materials Journal, 2014, 111(5): 501–510

[14] Tiberti G , Minelli F , Plizzari G . Reinforcement optimization of fiber reinforced concrete linings for conventional tunnels. Composites. Part B, Engineering, 2014, 58: 199–207

[15] Wei B , Zhang R , Jiang L , Zheng X , Ji W , Ma G . Scale model test and numerical analysis on the anchorage zone of a cable-stayed bridge with the cross-anchor structure. Engineering Structures, 2024, 316: 118614

[16] GB50010-2002. Concrete Structure Design Code. Beijing: China Architecture & Building Press, 2002 (in Chinese)

[17] XuG WWangS MDaiG HAnZ L. Research on the ring simulation method for shield tunnel joints based on inner and outer partitioned cutting grooves. Journal of the Railway Society, 2016, 38(4): 90–97 (in Chinese)

[18] Wang S , He X , Peng X , Wang Y , Li Z , Song Z . Influence of secondary lining thickness on mechanical behaviours of double-layer lining in large-diameter shield tunnels. Underground Space, 2024, 18: 130–150

[19] CaiRLiuX ZYangX LLiZ. Study on the damage mechanism and steel plate reinforcement effect of metro shield tunnel under unloading conditions. Railway Standard Design, 2024: 1–10 (in Chinese)

[20] WangY ZChenJ SMinXXuS YBaiW FZhouH YLiangY H. Safety study on the ellipticity of metro shield tunnel based on refined numerical simulation. Railway Standard Design, 2024, 68(9): 140–148 (in Chinese)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Higher Education Press