Experimental investigation of the ultimate bearing capacity of deformed segmental tunnel linings strengthened by epoxy-bonded steel plates

In order to develop an effective method to increase the load-bearing capacity of deformed segmental tunnel linings, full-scale tests concerning the ultimate bearing capacity of the linings, strengthened by steel plates, were conducted. The design of the tested linings and the loading scheme are described in this paper. In addition to the bearing capacity, the failure mechanisms of the tested linings were investigated. It was found that bonding of steel plates to the deformed segmental tunnel linings is an effective and practical method for strengthening segmental tunnel linings, thereby enhancing both their ultimate bearing capacity and their overall stiffness. The behaviour of these structures under loading is similar, no matter whether they are strengthened by full-ring or so-called semi-ring steel plates. The failure of the strengthened linings is the consequence of local failure of the bond between the steel plates and the tunnel segment. Therefore, the success of the proposed strengthening method strongly depends on the bonding capacity.