ABSTRACT

Precast concrete tunnel segments are subjected to high concentrated compressive stresses generated by the transfer of hoop loads across the radial joints. This effect is emphasized by the joint opening associated with diametrical deformations resulting by tolerances during lining installation and deformations imparted by external actions. These concentrated stresses produce tensile bursting forces at radial joints that may lead to critical joint damage, especially in SFRC segments. The bursting stress intensity and distribution depends strictly on the contact area at the joint location. While the bursting stresses can be evaluated by means of analytical formulas, the estimation of the joint rotation and contact area is more complex due to the non-linear behaviour of the concrete material. This paper provides an analytical method for the evaluation of radial joint behaviour and it is tested against advanced numerical modelling using geometrical properties of the segmental lining of the Airport Link Project, one of the largest designed and built SFRC segments.