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Precast
Segment Lining
Design &
Technology
BOUW CONSULTANTS | Technical Booklet
Design

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

challenge
Shield tunnel apparently look a simple modelling techniques are available to
construction with solid cylindrical shape; simulate and account for the presence
it is in reality an articulated circular of joints, each with diverse degree of
structure formed of segments arranged accuracy: given the repetitiveness of
by consecutive rings in staggered layout. tunnel construction, built as a sequence
of multiple rings, even little optimization
in the analysis of the single component
Segments are normally bolted together
may lead to significant overall cost
along longitudinal joints to form rings,
reduction.
which are then connected by dowels at
circumferential joints.
Mastering the available approaches thus
allows tuning the analysis effort to the
Joints in segment plays an important role required design level, in order to satisfy
in design and analysis. Several Client’s requirements as appropriate.

> ABOVE : TYPICAL DETAIL OF A BOLTED RADIAL JOINT

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 The Evolution
of Design
Although precast tunnel lining is a modern construction technique but structural
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

concept is much older. Concept of staggered layout to prevent longitudinal joints

being in the same position, and this configuration allows mutual force transfer
between rings, typical of 3D dimensional frame. These structures date back to
Mesopotamian Era.

01
Different theories developed based on Strength of Materials
and Theory of Elasticity. The unidimensional model concepts
primarily based on either continuum rings or partially bedded
based on Winkler Theory. Other hand, analytical solutions
1960s based on theory of elasticity based on assumption infinite
plate with a hole. These theories are not really in practice now
a days.

For years, tunnel linings have been studied as solid rings with
uniform flexural rigidity, thus ignoring the localized stiffness
decrease at longitudinal joints. This simplification allowed the
development of analytical solutions, under specific loading
conditions, and is generally able to provide safe design for
tunnel segments.

02
The “solid ring” approach with reduced stiffness is widely
accepted by engineering community around the world
adequately addressed in technical Standards and Guidelines,
and refined by Muir Wood [1] via the introduction of a reduction
1980s coefficient for bending stiffness (an equivalent rigidity of the
entire lining can reflect the reduction of rigidity at segment
joints).

This traditional approach is still valid for many applications, but

does not allow a precise definition of section force distribution
between segments and joints, which may be required for
specific needs and, in general, for design optimization

03
Evolution of different theories leads to an advanced approach
by mitigating shortcomings by incorporating actual joints
behaviour of segment joints.

2000s A further, possibly ultimate, evolution in tunnel design

approaches may be the actual modelling of contact surface
and the presence of mechanical fasteners, thus avoiding
undesired analysis simplifications and definition of complicated
adjustment techniques for spring stiffness.
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Our Design
Philosophy
The structural behaviour of the tunnel lining
subjected to bending is mainly determined by
the supporting effect of the surrounding soil.
Only in special cases with unusual loads or
extremely low bearing capacity soils must the
tunnel lining made up of individual segments
bear load as a rigid ring. In these cases the
coupling of the rings to each other in the ring
joint is of crucial importance for the load
transfer. The calculation for the tunnel lining can
be done using both the truss model and the
continuum model.

In the calculation with a 2D continuum model the

tunnel lining is also shown as a truss – in a 3D
continuum model correspondingly as a shell. The
behaviour of the subsoil can be determined
more accurately using a continuum model and
corresponding constitutive laws. For this purpose
it is necessary to realistically mirror all structural
elements (tunnel shell, interaction of the
segments, annular gap grouting, soil) in order to
realistically register the effects resulting from
them and their interaction with each other.
To take into account the torsional rigidity
in the longitudinal joint and to detect the
resulting moment transfer, non-linear
torsion springs are arranged in the
computational model at these locations
The associated non-linear spring
characteristics reproduce the moment in
the longitudinal joint as a function of the
existing torsion and the effective ring
normal force. The determination of these
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spring characteristics is taken after the

calculation model of Leonhardt/ Reimann.
 Continuum
calculation
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

In a continuum calculation the interaction explained in detail under truss modeling. If

of the tunnel shell with the soil is not a coupled ring system is to be mirrored, a
detected through the bedding and the spatial continuum model with shell elements
specification of slack loads, as in the truss to simulate the segmental lining is
models, but through the discretization of the recommended. For control purposes the
soil itself. This also includes the fundamental continuum calculations are always be
possibility of better mirroring of the non- checked for plausibility by simple
linear stress-strain behaviour of the soil. In analytical calculations. They are only of
the mirroring of the tunnel lining as limited use for the segment design. To
continuous members, a bowl or as a determine the actions from rock pressure
continuum, it is necessary to also reproduce and to calculate ring deformations under
the load bearing mechanisms of the special actions, a continuum calculation
interaction of the individual segments . can provide relatively realistic results.
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Structural fire
protection

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION APPROACH
The requirement, nature and extent of The fire design based on the method
structural fire protection for a tunnel according to EN 1992-1-2:2010, chapter
lining is always to be considered in 4.2 and Annex B.2 “Zone Method”. By
association with the operational using the “Zone Method”, the cross-
protection measures (e. g. traffic section damaged by fire is represented
management and control, possibilities to by a reduced cross-section ignoring a
drive into safety/evacuation zones, damaged zone of thickness az at the
escape routes design, fire detection, side exposed to the fire.
smoke removal, ventilation, cooperation
with emergency services) in accordance The load case “fire” leads in statically
with the relevant regulations and indeterminate beam models, such as
determined accordingly. In the relevant bedded tunnel linings, to internal forces
regulations, ensuring adequate stability due to constraint forces caused by for
and if necessary also serviceability example temperature (linear and
(water tightness, limitation of permanent constant temperature difference),
deformations) during and after a fire are imperfections and support
named as the key protection goals of displacements, are sufficiently taken
structural fire protection in tunnels. into account within the design.

Temperature-time curves of
relevant regulations
Idealise model for fire load case
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 Durability

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

The durability of the tunnel structure AGING MECHANISM
assumes its planned load bearing capacity
and serviceability – with reasonable repair Reinforced concrete segments are
expenses – over its entire useful life. Service exposed to ongoing aging from processes
lives of 100 years or more are common attacking concrete and steel. The
Inspection and repair options are usually individual mechanisms occur mostly in
available only to a small extent. This is combination and may reinforce each other.
especially true for the ground contact They include Carbonation, Sulphate attack
surfaces, seals and side surfaces no longer due to sulphate -containing water or
accessible after installation. The following subsoil with dissolving or driving effect,
requirements must always be met: Chloride attack. Other reasons may be
Mechanically abrasive
Load bearing capacity of the ring and Degradation from thermal stress
its individual Corrosion of reinforcing steel
components
Water tightness against water under APPROACH
pressure
Avoidance of spalling, which can limit We evaluate ground environment and
serviceability (e.g. road safety), but can design appropriate concrete to ensure
also be relevant to load bearing durability by controlling water ingress and
capacity density. Our detailing ensure that no part
Avoidance of excessive degradations of reinforcement is exposed to harsh
such as corrosion and aging damage in environment. Use latest tools like Life-365
the materials concrete, reinforcing steel to predict concrete life for our proposed
(structural steel or fiber materials) or design.
sealing and mounting components
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Samples

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

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Samples

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

 SERVICES
DESIGN OF TBM & NATM TUNNEL
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE DESIGN
DESIGN OF CROSS PASSAGE & SHAFTS
TEMPORARY STRUCTURES FOR TBM LUNCHING
DESIGN OF UG STATIONS
GEOTECHNICAL & GEOLOGY
INSTRUMENTATION & MONITORING
CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT/INSPECTION

DESIGN OF ELEVATED STATION

BOUW CONSULTANTS | Technical Booklet

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