ABSTRACT
The improper estimation of design ground loadings as well as the exceedance of installation tolerances during segmental lining construction often results in unwanted segment damage. Incurred damages rarely impact the structural stability of the tunnel ring, but can significantly impact the serviceability state of a finished construction. For this reason, existing design codes often provide limits on allowable crack widths. In this contribution, a newly developed Finite Element modeling scheme for hybrid reinforced segmental tunnel linings is proposed with which the non-linear local cracking response can be predicted. By subjecting this model to various loading scenarios (e.g. jack forces, steady-state) and by modeling the exceedance of installation tolerances during the ring-build phase, the response of the segment can be analyzed. Using the proposed method, various traditionally reinforced and fiber-reinforced designs are investigated. Furthermore, hybrid-reinforced designs combining the strengths of both traditional and fiber reinforced concrete are proposed.
