Evaluation of methods for analyzing early-age cracking risk in concrete walls of tunnel structures

Abstract

This paper is concentrated on investigating the modern methods to evaluate the probability of cracking in urban tunnel structures during construction. The study considers the current standard methods for assessing reinforced concrete walls of an urban tunnel, which experienced early-age cracking. The results obtained using guidelines were compared with actual observations of crack widths in the urban tunnel wall. Examples of using specifications in wall design were also described. The proper method is highlighted with suggestions for a possible path for considering early-age thermal and shrinkage effects in urban reinforced concrete tunnel walls