Mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids — A 3D numerical simulation

Concrete segments are commonly utilized as linings in shield tunnels to support the load from the surrounding ground, with their mechanical performance playing a crucial role in ensuring tunnel safety. During the construction of shield tunnels, these segments are assembled on-site, and grouting is p...

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Main Authors: Xiaohua Bao, Xianlong Wu, Xuehui Zhang, Jun Shen, Xiangsheng Chen, Pengliang Dang, Hongzhi Cui
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:Case Studies in Construction Materials
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525001688
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author Xiaohua Bao
Xianlong Wu
Xuehui Zhang
Jun Shen
Xiangsheng Chen
Pengliang Dang
Hongzhi Cui
author_facet Xiaohua Bao
Xianlong Wu
Xuehui Zhang
Jun Shen
Xiangsheng Chen
Pengliang Dang
Hongzhi Cui
author_sort Xiaohua Bao
collection DOAJ
description Concrete segments are commonly utilized as linings in shield tunnels to support the load from the surrounding ground, with their mechanical performance playing a crucial role in ensuring tunnel safety. During the construction of shield tunnels, these segments are assembled on-site, and grouting is performed concurrently to promptly fill the gap between the segment and the surrounding ground. However, inadequate grouting can lead to the formation of voids, which are hidden construction defects that compromise the mechanical stability of the tunnel segments. This study explores the impact of grouting voids on the mechanical performance of concrete segmental tunnels during construction using a 3D numerical simulation. A 3D finite-element model of a segmented shield tunnel with grouting voids was developed based on the load-structure method. The analysis focused on the effects of void characteristics, such as their angle, position, and length, on the tunnel's mechanical behavior. The results indicate that voids located at the tunnel crown reduce the vertical convergence of the tunnel cross-section, while voids at the waist exacerbate its horizontal convergence. Additionally, the presence of voids alters the bending moment distribution in the segments. Compared to the case without a void, there is a reversal of the bending moment when the void is located at the crown, and the bending moment increases from −13 kN·m to 24 kN·m, potentially causing tensile damage. Furthermore, voids also induce stress concentration within the segments, and the maximum stress concentration factor (SCF) occurs at the center of the voids as 2.44. However, when a circumferential joint intersects the void, joint opening causes stress redistribution, with the most significant stress concentration appearing at 45° on both sides of the void. These findings contribute to better damage recognition and enhance the safety assurance of concrete shield tunnels.
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spelling doaj-art-f7d02bf65ada48a2ab41cadc30be524e2025-08-20T03:12:38ZengElsevierCase Studies in Construction Materials2214-50952025-07-0122e0437010.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04370Mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids — A 3D numerical simulationXiaohua Bao0Xianlong Wu1Xuehui Zhang2Jun Shen3Xiangsheng Chen4Pengliang Dang5Hongzhi Cui6State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Geotechnics and Tunnelling, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Urban Resilient Infrastructures (Shenzhen University), Ministry of Education, Shenzhen 518060, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Intelligent Geotechnics and Tunnelling, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Urban Resilient Infrastructures (Shenzhen University), Ministry of Education, Shenzhen 518060, ChinaGeo-Engineering Section, Department of Geo-science and Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR; Corresponding author at: Geo-Engineering Section, Department of Geo-science and Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.State Key Laboratory of Intelligent Geotechnics and Tunnelling, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Urban Resilient Infrastructures (Shenzhen University), Ministry of Education, Shenzhen 518060, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Intelligent Geotechnics and Tunnelling, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, ChinaSinohydro Bureau 14 Co. LTD., Dali, Yunnan 671000, ChinaState Key Laboratory of Intelligent Geotechnics and Tunnelling, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; Key Laboratory of Coastal Urban Resilient Infrastructures (Shenzhen University), Ministry of Education, Shenzhen 518060, ChinaConcrete segments are commonly utilized as linings in shield tunnels to support the load from the surrounding ground, with their mechanical performance playing a crucial role in ensuring tunnel safety. During the construction of shield tunnels, these segments are assembled on-site, and grouting is performed concurrently to promptly fill the gap between the segment and the surrounding ground. However, inadequate grouting can lead to the formation of voids, which are hidden construction defects that compromise the mechanical stability of the tunnel segments. This study explores the impact of grouting voids on the mechanical performance of concrete segmental tunnels during construction using a 3D numerical simulation. A 3D finite-element model of a segmented shield tunnel with grouting voids was developed based on the load-structure method. The analysis focused on the effects of void characteristics, such as their angle, position, and length, on the tunnel's mechanical behavior. The results indicate that voids located at the tunnel crown reduce the vertical convergence of the tunnel cross-section, while voids at the waist exacerbate its horizontal convergence. Additionally, the presence of voids alters the bending moment distribution in the segments. Compared to the case without a void, there is a reversal of the bending moment when the void is located at the crown, and the bending moment increases from −13 kN·m to 24 kN·m, potentially causing tensile damage. Furthermore, voids also induce stress concentration within the segments, and the maximum stress concentration factor (SCF) occurs at the center of the voids as 2.44. However, when a circumferential joint intersects the void, joint opening causes stress redistribution, with the most significant stress concentration appearing at 45° on both sides of the void. These findings contribute to better damage recognition and enhance the safety assurance of concrete shield tunnels.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525001688Shield tunnelConcrete segmentsGrouting voidsMechanical performanceStress concentration
spellingShingle Xiaohua Bao
Xianlong Wu
Xuehui Zhang
Jun Shen
Xiangsheng Chen
Pengliang Dang
Hongzhi Cui
Mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids — A 3D numerical simulation
Case Studies in Construction Materials
Shield tunnel
Concrete segments
Grouting voids
Mechanical performance
Stress concentration
title Mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids — A 3D numerical simulation
title_full Mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids — A 3D numerical simulation
title_fullStr Mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids — A 3D numerical simulation
title_full_unstemmed Mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids — A 3D numerical simulation
title_short Mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids — A 3D numerical simulation
title_sort mechanical behaviours of concrete segmented tunnel considering the effects of grouting voids a 3d numerical simulation
topic Shield tunnel
Concrete segments
Grouting voids
Mechanical performance
Stress concentration
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525001688
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