Design aspects of segmental tunnel lining in difficult rock conditions

Despite plenty of research studies in design of segmental tunnel lining, there have still been serious concerns in damage mechanism of segmental lining in weak rock masses. With significant increasing of mechanized tunnelling practically in all kind of ground, including highly weathered rocks, severely jointed rocks, shear, and fault zones, squeezing, and swelling prone conditions, the need to investigate the mechanical behaviour and the damage mechanism of segmental tunnel lining is unavoidable. Any misjudging of those adverse geo-conditions may often cause an irreversible economical loss in the tunnelling project. This paper deals with the significant design aspects of segmental lining for such difficult rock mass conditions which can cause lining deformation and failure in segment in terms of either compression or tension as well as in the segment joints. Further, some critical design aspects extracted from the tunnel T26 of Ankara – Eskisehir high speed railway are presented and analysed.

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