An experimental study was carried out to compare mechanical performance of two types of precast tunnel lining segments. First, classical reinforced concrete (RC) segments were loaded up to failure in a configuration corresponding to the critical in situ laying loading.…
An experimental study was carried out to compare mechanical performance of two types of precast tunnel lining segments. First, classical reinforced concrete (RC) segments were loaded up to failure in a configuration corresponding to the critical in situ laying loading. Then, full-scale experimental specimens of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) segments were tested in the same way. In addition to the direct experi- mental comparison, the study also provides a large data base to refine design methods of classical lining rein- forcement and to validate the French design method for SFRC structures acting as beams. In order to ensure a clear analysis of structural behavior of segments, experimental results are analyzed using concurrently a three- dimensional finite elements modeling and an engineering approach providing analytical solutions.