Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) is used to improve the mechanical response of precast segments for tunnels. The structural use of the material has been regulated by national codes and, recently, by the Model Code 2010 (MC 2010, hereinafter). In this regard, it is necessary to update the philosophy applied to the design of tunnel segments in compliance with the most recent guidelines, evaluating their applicability and repercussion. The objective of this paper is to present a critical analysis of the design of FRC segments according to the ductility requirements from the MC 2010; an alternative approach is proposed that is compatible with the condition found in some tunnels. The repercussions of both approaches are evaluated for the Metro Line 9 from Barcelona using results obtained in an experimental program with full-scale segments. The study suggests that the alternative approach may be applied under certain conditions, leading to a reduction in the fibre consumption.
Keywords: Barcelona Metro Line, Cracking bending moment, design, ductility, FRC, precast segments.Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 2
INTRODUCTIONFibre reinforced concrete (FRC) is a composite material used to improve the mechanical response of precast segments for tunnels [1][2][3][4], enhancing their ductility and fire resistance as well as their mechanical performance during transient load stages. Due to these advantages, the use of structural fibres contributes to the replacement of traditional passive reinforcement, accelerating the production process and increasing the competitiveness of the FRC. Proof of this are the numerous experiences in which precast FRC segments have been used in highway (RT), railway (RWT), metro (MT), water supply (WTT), gas transport (GPT) and service (ST) tunnels. Table 1 [4][5][6] summarizes some of the main applications already in service or under construction.The structural use of fibres has been regulated by the national codes in Germany in 1992 [7], Italy in 2006 [8] and Spain in 2008 [9], for instance. More recently, recommendations about the design of FRC structures were also included in the MC 2010 [10], with constitutive equations [11][12] and models for the Service Limit State and Ultimate Limit State (SLS and the ULS, respectively). An increase in the use of FRC in tunnels segments has been observed as a result of that [13]. In this regard, it is necessary to update the philosophy applied to the design of tunnel segments in compliance with the particular requirements proposed in the MC 2010, evaluating its applicability and repercussions.The objective of this paper is to present a critical analysis of the design of FRC segments according to the ductility requirements from the MC 2010 and to propose an alternative approach more compatible with the conditions found in practice. First, the design procedure from the MC 2010 is analysed and adapted to FRC segmented linings. Then, the alternative approach is presented. The applicability and repercussion of both approaches in terms of fibre ...