RESEARCH TO IMPROVE TUNNEL SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Studies are described that were directed toward improving the design of certain types of tunnel support systems. Studies to predict the interaction of a circular liner with the medium performed with a linear finite element computer program and a closed form solution are described. Two construction techniques that give different interaction solutions and thus different liner loadings were simulated. Results are presented in the form of dimensionless plots from which moment, thrust, shear and deformation can be predicted. Steel-fiber-reinforced regulated-set-cement concrete has been proposed for use in a slipformed tunnel liner system. Mix design, pumping characteristics and mechanical properties of this material are described. Also, test results for two specimens which represent a portion of the slipformed liner are presented. Behavior of the liner and resisting mechanism was found to be highly nonlinear and to have a great deal of reserve strength beyond the linear range. Eleven large-scale tests which simulate steel horseshoe sets in rock tunnels are described and the effects of connection characteristics, blocking stiffness, load distribution and load inclination on the set behavior are discussed. Both the concrete liners and the steel sets that were tested, were simulated by a linear (STRUDL) and a nonlinear analysis (NASTRAN) and the results compared with those obtained from the tests.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This study was sponsored by and prepared for the Federal Railroad Administration, DOT.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  205 North Mathews Avenue
  Urbana, IL  United States  61801-2352
• Authors:
  • Paul, S L
  • GAYLORD, E H
  • HENDRON, A J
  • Kesler, C E
  • Mohraz, B
  • Peck, R B
• Publication Date: 1974-6

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Tables;
• Pagination: 235 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete; Mathematical analysis; Tunnel lining; Tunneling
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00071760
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Federal Railroad Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: FRA-ORD/D-74-51 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-FR-30022
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 13 1974 12:00AM