Structural Response of a Two-Span Reinforced Concrete Tunnel under Vertical Loading

Multi-span concrete tunnels are widely utilized in urban infrastructure to enhance capacity and structural efficiency compared to traditional single-span designs. This study presents a numerical investigation into the structural response of a two-span reinforced concrete tunnel under vertical loading. The structural model, developed in the ABAQUS finite element environment, features two ۸-meter spans with a ۳۰-cm thick concrete lining, accounting for the interaction between the deck slabs and the intermediate support. The analysis focuses on evaluating the stress distribution and displacement patterns under a distributed vertical load, establishing a baseline for understanding the performance of multi-span systems. The results indicate that the introduction of an intermediate support significantly alters the internal force distribution, reducing mid-span deflections while introducing specific stress concentrations at the crown and the connection points of the intermediate pier. This comparative analysis provides critical insights into the structural efficiency of two-span configurations and serves as a fundamental benchmark for further assessments under more complex, simultaneous loading scenarios, including lateral earth pressures and accidental dynamic events.

کلیدواژه ها:

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