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

This study presents a numerical investigation into the structural response of a two-span reinforced concrete tunnel subjected to combined vertical and lateral loading conditions. As tunnel safety and structural integrity are paramount in civil engineering, understanding how multi-span configurations respond to complex load distributions is essential. Using the finite element method (ABAQUS), a three-dimensional model was developed to analyze the stress distribution and deformation patterns within the tunnel lining. The study specifically focuses on the role of the intermediate support in redistributing internal forces and maintaining structural stability under simultaneous vertical and horizontal pressures. The results indicate that the crown and the interface between the sidewalls and the roof slabs are the most critical regions, exhibiting significant stress concentrations. Furthermore, the analysis provides detailed insights into the displacement behavior of the two-span lining system. The findings demonstrate that the intermediate support significantly influences the structural response, though it does not eliminate the critical nature of the crown under combined loading. This research underscores the necessity of incorporating both vertical and lateral loading scenarios in the design of multi-span tunnels to ensure long-term structural performance and safety.

کلیدواژه ها:

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