Structural model for radial joints of water-conveyance shield tunnels

In the water-conveyance shield tunnel, the joint deformation is an important factor which determines the waterproofing form. Since there is no general formula to calculate the deformation of radial joints, a full scale test is a practical approach. But it is too expensive to carry out a full scale test for every project compared with the existing common methods for the determination of deformation which introduces much casualness to engineering projects. By considering the force of gasket, the elastic-plastic behaviors of concrete and the prestressed tension force of bolts, a joint structural model is established. By considering the deformation of concrete, the deformation of bolts and the deformation of splice plate, a deformation model is established and the deformations are calculated. At the same time, a full-scale radial joint test is carried out. The results of the analysis show that the tension force in bolts and deformations calculated by the two models are close to the test values.