Structural Response of a Single-Span Reinforced Concrete Tunnel under Lateral Loading

This study presents a numerical investigation into the structural behavior of a single-span reinforced concrete tunnel subjected to lateral loading. With the increasing reliance on underground infrastructure, understanding the performance of tunnel linings under horizontal forces—such as soil pressure or seismic-induced lateral loads—is critical for ensuring structural integrity. In this research, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed using the ABAQUS software to simulate a single-span tunnel with defined geometric parameters. The study focuses on evaluating the stress distribution, deformation patterns, and structural response of the concrete lining when subjected to lateral loading conditions. The results demonstrate that lateral forces significantly influence the stress concentration zones and displacement profiles across the tunnel structure, highlighting the necessity of assessing horizontal load effects for safe design and optimization. The findings provide valuable insights into the critical sections of the lining and serve as a baseline for future structural reinforcements and stability assessments under diverse loading scenarios.

کلیدواژه ها:

Single-span tunnel ، Concrete lining ، Finite element analysis (FEA)