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Mechanical behavior of ultra-high toughness concrete (UHTC) tunnel segmental joints

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Minjin Cai
  • Hehua Zhu
  • Qing Chen
  • Timon Rabczuk
  • Xiaoying Zhuang

Research Organisations

External Research Organisations

  • Tongji University
  • Bauhaus-Universität Weimar

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number105838
Number of pages20
JournalTunnelling and Underground Space Technology
Volume151
Early online date7 Jun 2024
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2024

Abstract

Segmental joints in tunnel linings are considered weak points due to their limited tensile strength and poor crack resistance. Ultra-high toughness concrete (UHTC) offers a solution to these issues, thanks to its exceptional tensile strength, outstanding crack resistance, and impressive durability. However, the application of UHTC in tunnel segmental joints remains underexplored. To assess its suitability, this paper conducted comprehensive full-scale tests on UHTC and traditional reinforced concrete (RC) segmental joints. The study analyzed the mechanical properties of UHTC and RC joints, including material characteristics, segmental deflection, joint behavior, bolt strain, damage propagation, and failure modes. The results showed that: (1) UHTC joints exhibited superior stable bearing capacity, exceeding that of RC joints by 25 %, with a 42 % higher initial cracking strength. (2) UHTC joints also demonstrated excellent crack control, maintaining crack widths below 0.2 mm and preserving structural integrity. In contrast, RC joints experienced extensive cracking, leading to concrete fracture and spalling. (3) UHTC joints displayed remarkable toughness, surpassing RC joints by 2.48 times during the elastic growth stage and 1.55 times in the plastic stable growth stage. Meanwhile, UHTC joints exhibited 1.47 times greater ductility than RC joints. (4) Considering multi-scale mechanical effects, UHTC joints enhanced the toughness and strength advantages of UHTC over RC by over 30 % during the elastic stage. These findings highlight the potential of UHTC in shield tunnel construction, especially in challenging environments like high ground stress areas and earthquake fault zones.

Keywords

    Crack control, High toughness, Segmental joint, UHTC

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Cite this

Mechanical behavior of ultra-high toughness concrete (UHTC) tunnel segmental joints. / Cai, Minjin; Zhu, Hehua; Chen, Qing et al.
In: Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Vol. 151, 105838, 09.2024.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Cai M, Zhu H, Chen Q, Rabczuk T, Zhuang X. Mechanical behavior of ultra-high toughness concrete (UHTC) tunnel segmental joints. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology. 2024 Sept;151:105838. Epub 2024 Jun 7. doi: 10.1016/j.tust.2024.105838
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AU - Rabczuk, Timon

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