Segmented Concrete Tunnel Liner and Sealant Systems: Fid-Bau Portal

Segmented Concrete Tunnel Liner and Sealant Systems

C. E. Selander / C. A. Nelson / B. V. Jones

Precast reinforced concrete tunnel support lining has been used in Europe for some time as a viable method in tunnel construction. In late 1975 UMTA sponsored a study on segmented concrete tunnel liner and sealant systems. A five-phase study plan was developed and work began in 1976. This report presents the five phases. Phase 1 consists of information gathering and review; Phase 2 consists of the development of segment liner design parameters and trade-off study; Phase 3 consists of the sealant materials and test program; Phase 4 consists of a program to test joint and sealant systems; and Phase 5 addresses the design and manufacture of liner system. The purpose of this study is to identify the design criteria for a bolted circular segmented concrete tunnel liner system; devise, fabricate and test all the components of that system; and develop specifications applicable to the tunneling industry. These specifications are to provide tunnel authorities, designers, contractors, owners, and the general public with proven data for the safe and economical implementation of segmented concrete liners for rapid transit tunnels. Reinforced concrete, a well-established structural material that can be easily designed to withstand the handling, erection, and in situ forces as a tunnel liner, presents the problem of potential leakage at segment junctures. Thus, the main objective of this effort is to identify sealant materials/systems that can demonstrate satisfactory watertightness characteristics at segmented concrete liner joints under simulated soft-ground tunnel environmental conditions.