ABSTRACT
In shield-driven tunnel linings, the behaviour of segmental joints is of main importance for the segmental lining design. The lining ring is composed of individual segments connected to each other via longitudinal joints. Modelling of a homogeneous ring without a consideration for the effect of the joints leads to higher structural internal forces. To account for the effect of longitudinal joints in-between segments, two main methods are used:
Muir-wood method, using a homogenized flexural rigidity of the ring. This method is usually combined with a transfer ratio ζ, representing the bending moment redistribution between longitudinal joints and across adjacent rings.
Janssen method, modelling longitudinal joints by means of hinges with rotational stiffness, resulting in non-linear behavior that depends on the geometry of the contact and the load.This study presents a comparative analysis between both methods and a complete 3D structural model in a driven tunnel in Grand Paris area, in addition to several methods for estimating the transfer ratio ζ.
