Refined three‐dimensional numerical model for segmental joint and its application

Abstract

Previous research of segmental joints are mainly based on experimental and theoretical methods; few studies have focused on refined numerical model. Therefore, a refined numerical model is established in which eight‐node solid element and three‐dimensional beam element are adopted to simulate joint structures and reinforcement, respectively, and bolt preload is considered. Then, the numerical model is verified with full‐scale tests and applied to analyze the influence of joint deformation and bolt preload. It is confirmed that (a) the numerical model can reproduce joint deformation process with good accuracy; (b) bolt stress are controlled by tensile action caused by joint opening and bending action caused by joint vertical displacement; (c) the changes of joint deformation with bending moment can be divided into three stages; bolt preload has no effect on the change of joint deformation with bending moment but has significant impact on the value of joint deformation in each stage.

Investigation on the shear performance of circumferential joints of segments in super‐large cross‐section shield tunnels

“…The preload of 100 kN was applied to the bolts according to field measurements and the existing research. 8,9 The preload was applied to the bolt according to the load type "bolt load" in ABAQUS software. The direction of bolt preload was along the length direction of the bolt, and the preload was applied at the intersection of the bolt and sleeve.…”

“…Combined with the field measurement and analysis by Liao et al, 23 the longitudinal pressures selected were 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 MPa, to investigate the effect of the longitudinal force on the shear resistance of the circumferential joints. The preload of 100 kN was applied to the bolts according to field measurements and the existing research 8,9 . The preload was applied to the bolt according to the load type “bolt load” in ABAQUS software.…”

“…The friction coefficient between concrete and concrete was set as 0.55, the friction coefficient between concrete and bolt was set as 0.15, the friction coefficient between bolt and gasket was set as 0.2, and the friction coefficient between gasket and concrete was set as 0.3. 8,10 According to the existing studies, 22 the interaction between bolt and sleeve, sleeve and concrete were set as binding constraint. The embedded constraint method was adopted to simulate the interaction between reinforcement and concrete.…”

“…The mechanical properties of longitudinal joints have been extensively investigated by means of theoretical analysis, 5,6 full-scale tests, 6,7 and numerical simulation. [8][9][10] In contrast, there are few studies on the mechanical properties of the circumferential joints. For the circumferential joints of segments with continuous mortises and tenons, Zhang et al 11 investigated the shear mechanical behavior and failure characteristics of the circumferential joints.…”

“…The mechanical properties of longitudinal joints have been extensively investigated by means of theoretical analysis, 5,6 full‐scale tests, 6,7 and numerical simulation 8–10 . In contrast, there are few studies on the mechanical properties of the circumferential joints.…”