Numerical investigation of a segmental grey cast iron tunnel ring: validation with laboratory data and application to field conditions
File(s)
Author(s)
Ruiz Lopez, Agustin
Tsiampousi, Aikaterini
Standing, Jamie
Potts, David
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The structural response of a segmental grey cast iron (GCI) tunnel lining ring under distortion was investigated by means of finite element (FE) analysis. Building on previous experimental investigations, a 3D numerical model, capable of reproducing accurately the behaviour observed in the laboratory, was developed with the aim of providing guidelines for the structural assessment of GCI linings in engineering practice. A comprehensive validation of the segmental ring model with the laboratory data was first completed. Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted using a set-up that replicated the widely adopted elastic continuum method, so that differences between the numerical and the analytical solution could be attributed to the presence of the longitudinal joints. In this manner, the influence of the joints on the ring response was quantitatively established and recommendations for routine engineering calculations developed. A set of bending stiffness reduction factors are proposed as a function of the tunnel ovalisation, providing upper and lower limits of the bending stiffness, as well as a global reduction factor which is an average measure of the bending stiffness reduction. These factors can be integrated into the calculation procedure of closed-form solutions in order to account for the segmental nature of GCI linings.
Date Issued
2022-01
Date Acceptance
2021-08-23
Citation
Computers and Geotechnics, 2022, 141, pp.1-19
ISSN
0266-352X
Publisher
Elsevier
Start Page
1
End Page
19
Journal / Book Title
Computers and Geotechnics
Volume
141
Copyright Statement
© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This manuscript is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Geotechnical Consulting Group LLP
Identifier
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0266352X21004171?via%3Dihub
Grant Number
EPSRC DTG
EP/G063486/1
CISM_P60087
Subjects
Geological & Geomatics Engineering
0905 Civil Engineering
0914 Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy
0915 Interdisciplinary Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2021-10-13