Experimental investigations on the load-bearing capacity of tunnel segments – Evaluation of the resource efficiency of large-scale test specimens

Abstract

Considering the current state of climate change and the finite supply of energy and resources, it is crucial to optimize newly erected structures in order to increase the construction industry's resource efficiency. Segmental tunnel linings present a significant opportunity for this kind of initiative as the optimization of one segment affects many identical ones. Therefore, an experimental campaign on large-scale specimens was conducted to investigate the enhancement of the load transfer zone between tunnel segments. In this paper, the performance of three test specimens is analyzed regarding the resource efficiency, whereby these are conventionally reinforced tunnel segments, segments with butt-jointed reinforcement bars and steel-fibers, respectively. The work follows on from earlier studies on cylindrical specimens, where the ultimate load was linked to the global warming potential (GWP). The results show that the resource efficiency of the specimen with butt-jointed bars outperforms the other types.