Flexural Behavior of Shield Tunnel Joints with Auto-Lock Connectors: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation with Parametric Analysis
Rapid connectors for shield tunnels represent a critical advancement in underground engineering construction. This study proposes a novel auto-lock connector, detailing its structure and working principle. The flexural behavior of the auto-lock joint is investigated through theoretical analysis and...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/13/2182 |
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| author | Lina Luo Weidong Lin Haibo Hu Gang Lei Hui Liu |
| author_facet | Lina Luo Weidong Lin Haibo Hu Gang Lei Hui Liu |
| author_sort | Lina Luo |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Rapid connectors for shield tunnels represent a critical advancement in underground engineering construction. This study proposes a novel auto-lock connector, detailing its structure and working principle. The flexural behavior of the auto-lock joint is investigated through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, with a comprehensive evaluation of influencing factors. The results indicate that joint opening increases with reduced axial force, peaking at 24.1 mm under negative bending under a 100 kN axial load. The ultimate bending moment demonstrates a nonlinear variation with axial force. At low axial forces, increasing material strength or dimensions enhances joint flexural capacity, with more pronounced improvements under lower loads. This research establishes a theoretical foundation for the practical application of auto-lock connectors. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-48557179de16481c9ad44cd3a2f6ff1d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-48557179de16481c9ad44cd3a2f6ff1d2025-08-20T03:28:37ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-06-011513218210.3390/buildings15132182Flexural Behavior of Shield Tunnel Joints with Auto-Lock Connectors: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation with Parametric AnalysisLina Luo0Weidong Lin1Haibo Hu2Gang Lei3Hui Liu4College of Railway Engineering, Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic, Guangzhou 511300, ChinaCollege of Railway Engineering, Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic, Guangzhou 511300, ChinaResearch Center of Coastal and Urban Geotechnical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, ChinaBeijing Urban Construction Design & Development Group Co., Ltd., Beijing 100045, ChinaCollege of Railway Engineering, Guangzhou Railway Polytechnic, Guangzhou 511300, ChinaRapid connectors for shield tunnels represent a critical advancement in underground engineering construction. This study proposes a novel auto-lock connector, detailing its structure and working principle. The flexural behavior of the auto-lock joint is investigated through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, with a comprehensive evaluation of influencing factors. The results indicate that joint opening increases with reduced axial force, peaking at 24.1 mm under negative bending under a 100 kN axial load. The ultimate bending moment demonstrates a nonlinear variation with axial force. At low axial forces, increasing material strength or dimensions enhances joint flexural capacity, with more pronounced improvements under lower loads. This research establishes a theoretical foundation for the practical application of auto-lock connectors.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/13/2182shield tunnelauto-lock connectorlongitudinal jointsflexural behavior |
| spellingShingle | Lina Luo Weidong Lin Haibo Hu Gang Lei Hui Liu Flexural Behavior of Shield Tunnel Joints with Auto-Lock Connectors: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation with Parametric Analysis Buildings shield tunnel auto-lock connector longitudinal joints flexural behavior |
| title | Flexural Behavior of Shield Tunnel Joints with Auto-Lock Connectors: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation with Parametric Analysis |
| title_full | Flexural Behavior of Shield Tunnel Joints with Auto-Lock Connectors: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation with Parametric Analysis |
| title_fullStr | Flexural Behavior of Shield Tunnel Joints with Auto-Lock Connectors: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation with Parametric Analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Flexural Behavior of Shield Tunnel Joints with Auto-Lock Connectors: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation with Parametric Analysis |
| title_short | Flexural Behavior of Shield Tunnel Joints with Auto-Lock Connectors: A Theoretical and Numerical Investigation with Parametric Analysis |
| title_sort | flexural behavior of shield tunnel joints with auto lock connectors a theoretical and numerical investigation with parametric analysis |
| topic | shield tunnel auto-lock connector longitudinal joints flexural behavior |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/13/2182 |
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