The stiffness of circular joints and its effect on the deformation of the tunnel segmental lining along the longitudinal direction

When analysing the damage phenomenon (crack, seepage, et al.) inside segmental lining during tunnel construction, the movement and deformation of the segmental lining along the longitudinal direction is the critical aspect of the research. Bec ause the segmental lining is assembled by segments and bolts, there are many joints in the lining, which is the weak part of the lining and has an obvious deformation under the application of construction loads. This paper focuses on the circular joint which has a great influence on the segmental lining deformation along the longitudina l direction. Firstly, the evaluation method s of the bending stiffness and shear stiffness of the circular joint are developed; and then, based on the interaction between bolt and bolt hole , the methods for the evaluation of the shear stiffness of a single bolt and the one of whole circular joint are proposed; finally, the segmental lining deformation along the longitudinal direction is analysed and the main factors is discussed