ABSTRACT
Regardless of type of reinforcement, cracks in the precast segmental tunnel lining often create concerns during the design and construction phases. Due to its limited tensile strength, the Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) requires early implementation of the project requisites and design criteria in order to avoid subsequent and expensive repairs. Based on the Authors’ experiences in some of the world’s landmark mechanized tunnelling projects, especially in the Middle East, the application of SFRC in sewer, storm water, and metro tunnels is reviewed and the mitigation measures to control potential crack propagations are summarized. The importance of the decisions in the early design phase, e.g. ring and segment geometry, general arrangement, number and position of push rams, are discussed along with the radial and circumferential joint design. Finally, the recommended calculations, which are required to minimize the risk of cracking, are presented.
