Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Characteristics of Waterproof System for Near-Sea Tunnel: A Case Study of the Gongbei Tunnel

Abstract

The water around thenear-sea tunnels is supplied infinitely, and mechanical characteristics of the lining and movement joint are inevitably affected by waterproof methods. The research on the mechanical characteristics of the waterproof system is immature. As a case study of the Gongbei tunnel, a scale model was established in this study, and the stratum, pipe curtain, grouting circle, lining, waterproof board, and movement joint were simulated based on the similarity theories. By changing the externally applied water pressure and drainage discharge, the variation and distribution of the water pressure and strain on the lining with the fully wrapped waterproof (FWW) method, the lining with the partially wrapped waterproof (PWW) method, and the movement joint were investigated. Furthermore, several suggestions on the selection of the waterproof method were presented. The results indicate that the PWW method can reduce the water pressure and strain on the lining under the drained state. Under the state of free drainage, the strain on the lining with the PWW method may get a discount of about 30%. More attention could be paid to the waterproof of the movement joints in the construction process, especially the invert. The research results may offer some valuable insights into the waterproof design of similar near-sea tunnels.