ABSTRACT
Nowadays, the number of large-diameter tunnels using the shield tunneling method has increased. These tunnels are generally considered more earthquake-resistant than others due to their flexibility. However, there have been concerns about safety and structural stability of shield tunnels during major earthquakes in the future. This paper aims to investigate the impact of joint characteristics on the behavior of shield tunnels during large deformation events, especially for earthquakes. This study employed single-ring small-scale physical experiments and numerical beam-spring models to analyze different joint types. Experimental results revealed that joint characteristics influenced the tunnel stability. Additionally, tunnel models collapsed when joints were damaged, suggesting that joint stiffness and characteristics are crucial for maintaining tunnel structural integrity under significant horizontal displacements. The beam-spring model effectively replicated the physical experiments conducted on small-scale shield tunnels. The findings highlighted the influence of the joint’s resistivity against deformation on both joint stiffness and structural stability.
