Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model

With the accelerated development of urban underground spaces, prefabricated tunnel linings have become a research focus due to their advantages in construction efficiency and cost effectiveness. However, issues such as stress concentration at joints and insufficient overall stability hinder their br...

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Main Authors: Li-Ming Wu, Hong-Kun Li, Feng Gao, Zi-Jian Wang, Bin Zhang, Wen-Jie Luo, Jun-Jie Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/14/2522
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author Li-Ming Wu
Hong-Kun Li
Feng Gao
Zi-Jian Wang
Bin Zhang
Wen-Jie Luo
Jun-Jie Li
author_facet Li-Ming Wu
Hong-Kun Li
Feng Gao
Zi-Jian Wang
Bin Zhang
Wen-Jie Luo
Jun-Jie Li
author_sort Li-Ming Wu
collection DOAJ
description With the accelerated development of urban underground spaces, prefabricated tunnel linings have become a research focus due to their advantages in construction efficiency and cost effectiveness. However, issues such as stress concentration at joints and insufficient overall stability hinder their broader application. This study investigates a cut-and-cover prefabricated tunnel project in the Chongqing High-Tech Zone through scale model tests and numerical simulations to systematically compare the mechanical behaviors of cast-in situ linings and three-segment prefabricated linings under surrounding rock loads. The experimental results show that the ultimate bearing capacity of the prefabricated lining is 15.3% lower than that of the cast-in situ lining, with asymmetric failure modes and cracks concentrated near joint regions. Numerical simulations further reveal the influence of joint stiffness on structural performance: when the joint stiffness is 30 MN·m/rad, the bending moment of the segmented lining decreases by 37.7% compared to the cast-in situ lining, while displacement increments remain controllable. By optimising joint pre-tightening forces and stiffness parameters, prefabricated linings can achieve stability comparable to cast-in situ structures while retaining construction efficiency. This research provides theoretical and technical references for the design and construction of open-cut prefabricated tunnel linings.
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spelling doaj-art-782754b855f142dc9b2b2593b7e866e32025-08-20T03:08:10ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-07-011514252210.3390/buildings15142522Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure ModelLi-Ming Wu0Hong-Kun Li1Feng Gao2Zi-Jian Wang3Bin Zhang4Wen-Jie Luo5Jun-Jie Li6School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, ChinaSchool of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, ChinaSchool of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, ChinaSchool of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, ChinaSchool of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, ChinaSchool of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing 401331, ChinaWith the accelerated development of urban underground spaces, prefabricated tunnel linings have become a research focus due to their advantages in construction efficiency and cost effectiveness. However, issues such as stress concentration at joints and insufficient overall stability hinder their broader application. This study investigates a cut-and-cover prefabricated tunnel project in the Chongqing High-Tech Zone through scale model tests and numerical simulations to systematically compare the mechanical behaviors of cast-in situ linings and three-segment prefabricated linings under surrounding rock loads. The experimental results show that the ultimate bearing capacity of the prefabricated lining is 15.3% lower than that of the cast-in situ lining, with asymmetric failure modes and cracks concentrated near joint regions. Numerical simulations further reveal the influence of joint stiffness on structural performance: when the joint stiffness is 30 MN·m/rad, the bending moment of the segmented lining decreases by 37.7% compared to the cast-in situ lining, while displacement increments remain controllable. By optimising joint pre-tightening forces and stiffness parameters, prefabricated linings can achieve stability comparable to cast-in situ structures while retaining construction efficiency. This research provides theoretical and technical references for the design and construction of open-cut prefabricated tunnel linings.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/14/2522prefabricated tunnel liningload-structure modelscale model testjoint stiffnessnumerical simulation
spellingShingle Li-Ming Wu
Hong-Kun Li
Feng Gao
Zi-Jian Wang
Bin Zhang
Wen-Jie Luo
Jun-Jie Li
Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model
Buildings
prefabricated tunnel lining
load-structure model
scale model test
joint stiffness
numerical simulation
title Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model
title_full Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model
title_fullStr Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model
title_full_unstemmed Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model
title_short Experimental Study on Mechanical Differences Between Prefabricated and Cast-In Situ Tunnel Linings Based on a Load-Structure Model
title_sort experimental study on mechanical differences between prefabricated and cast in situ tunnel linings based on a load structure model
topic prefabricated tunnel lining
load-structure model
scale model test
joint stiffness
numerical simulation
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/14/2522
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