Structural Behavior of Segmental Tunnel Linings Based on In Situ Measurements

Segmental tunnel linings have a complex structural behavior that is difficult to predict. Full-scale in situ structural monitoring allows us to gain access to these structures, observe the acting mechanisms, and better understand the actual structural behavior under realistic boundary conditions. In a recent structural monitoring project in Frankfurt, Germany, strains, deformations, and temperatures were measured at the segmental lining of a twin-tube tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunnel. Hereby, internal forces were back-calculated from the strain measurements. The results of the monitoring are presented and discussed in this paper. The measurements began immediately after the assembly of the segments and have been performed continuously over several years. Because of that, it was possible to observe that the internal forces differ significantly between the construction stage and the final state. During the construction stage, the internal forces develop quickly within hours after ring assembly, showing a distribution along the lining’s circumference that is hard to predict. Almost all radial deformations occur during this period and remain unchanged afterward. After this first early phase, a period of stress redistribution follows, including significant changes in the internal forces. At its end, the stable, final state is reached. In this state, the internal forces match better with expectations. In the monitored areas, the stresses during the construction stage slightly exceeded those of the final state, which should be avoided for economic reasons. Additional investigations regard the temperature development within the lining, the influence of the second tube construction on the already built tube, and the development of longitudinal ring interaction over time. The latter significantly influences the structural behavior, but its development is often subject to uncertainties. In this case, it was observed that the longitudinal interaction decreases considerably over time.

In the structural design of segmental tunnel linings, structural or geotechnical engineers have various options regarding the available calculation methods and modeling strategies. All of these options are part of the state of the art, and the selection is up to the engineer. However, the results can be quite different depending on the chosen option. Consequently, uncertainties remain regarding the real linings’ internal forces and structural reliability. The actual mechanisms can be identified by investigating the real structural behavior of segmental tunnel linings with in situ structural monitoring. Then, with back-analyses, on the one hand, it can be tested to determine how well different calculation methods and modeling strategies correspond to reality. On the other hand, the monitoring data can contribute to improving existing calculation methods, developing new modeling approaches, and establishing more detailed recommendations or optimizations regarding the design and construction of segmental tunnel linings. This paper presents findings derived from a structural monitoring project on a segmental lining. Different mechanisms and aspects, sometimes uncertain or debatable in tunnel design, are discussed regarding their real in situ appearance. The gained data will also be used for further back-analyses and investigations.