Numerical Analysis of New Stainless-Steel Corrugated-Plate Reinforcement of Shield-Tunnel Segmental Joints Based on Virtual-Tracking-Element Technology

Abstract

Shield tunnels inevitably endure various forms of damage as their service times increase. Steel corrugated plates have been used extensively under multiple conditions and have proven effective in strengthening segmental joints, according to full-scale tests. A numerical model is proposed to probe the feasibility of using a new stainless-steel corrugated plate (SSCP) to reinforce shield-tunnel segments. A new method, called virtual-tracking-element technology, is employed to achieve the simulation of a realistic stress state of the segmental joint. Moreover, a segmental-joint-component analysis and a parametric study were conducted based on the numerical model. The results demonstrate that: (1) the virtual-tracking-element technology is a valid and efficient approach to the simulation of the secondary-stress state of segmental joints; (2) SSCP reinforcement is not fully utilized when the grade of segmental concrete is C50, and it has a wide safety margin for potential overload; (3) SSCP reinforcement performs well regardless of the burial depth, and reinforcement in advance is recommended.