Abstract

This article presents the results of research carried out in the field of the structural response of tunnel linings made of precast concrete segments. The investigation began with the realization of a load test on a site located within an experimental section line 9 of the Barcelona Metro. The conclusions drawn about its behavior allowed the development of numerical models, both 2D and 3D, validated with the experimental results. This research also includes the study of the longitudinal behavior of the lining in order to determine the extent to which longitudinal compression initially introduced by the TBM is dissipated over time due to the influence of lining creep, which determines the longitudinal interaction between adjacent rings. Finally, the effect on the segmental lining design of taking into account its 3D response subjected to both, typical distributed design loads, or localized actions that would occur in special or accidental conditions is appraised.