Developments in *MAT_WINFRITH_CONCRETE and Application to Modelling of Segmented Concrete Tunnel Linings

Tunnels constructed by Tunnel Boring Machines are lined with precast reinforced concrete segments. The joints between the segments must resist a combination of compressive load and bending moments induced by non-uniform pressure from the soil. Failure modes to be considered during design include splitting of the joint face under concentrated compressive load, spalling of the exterior or interior faces of the segments under bending actions, and impacts of bolt connection details on the stability of the joints. The capacity of the segments to resist such failures may be explored in detail using LS-DYNA’s nonlinear concrete models. The paper includes examples from an investigation into a tunnel that partially collapsed shortly after construction. The failure modes revealed by the site investigation of the collapsed tunnel matched well with those shown by the model.