Numerical Investigation of Innovative Support Frame of Openings in the Segmental Tunnel Lining

Introduction:

To supply safety in the tunnels, it is necessary to construct escape routes and emergency exits that are performed by locating cross passages.

Methods:

These passages connect two tunnels transversely and apply escape routes. Using temporary steel structures to supply the ring stability in practice and reinforced concrete frame to stabilize the ring permanently can be appropriate to form a solid frame that transfers the opened ring's load to the opening surroundings. In this paper, a 3D finite element simulation was performed to analyze the influence of opening construction in the segmental concrete lining and a temporary support system. Using the simulation, stress and deformation distribution of the steel frame, bolts, and segmental lining were obtained.

Results:

The results show that by increasing the number of bolts from 18 to 30, the induced stress in the steel frame and bolts decreased to 76 and 59 percent, respectively. In addition, the maximum displacement in the segmental lining and the maximum opening value of the joints decline to 62.7 and 75 percent, respectively.

Conclusion:

Finally, it can be concluded that the steel frame can be used as a temporary support system.

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