Selander C. Segmented Concrete Tunnel Liner and Sealant Sys 1980

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The general purpose of the work under this contract was to devise, fabricate, and test circular segmented concrete liner displaying candidate joint configurations and sealant systems for possible future use in soft-ground rapid transit tunnels. Reinforced concrete is a well-established structural material whose behavior has been extensively studied and, to date, has seen significant application in tunnel liners. Moreover, reinforced concrete can easily be designed to withstand the handling, erection, and in situ forces as a tunnel liner. A problem in segmented concrete tunnel liners is the potential leakage that can arise at segment junctures. Thus, the main objective of this effort was to establish sealant materials and/or sealant systems that demonstrate satisfactory watertightness characteristics at segmented concrete liner joints under simulated softground tunnel environmental conditions. The work was divided into five phases. Phase 1 was an information gathering review; Phase 2 was the development of segmented liner design parameters and identification of in situ and environmental conditions; Phase 3 was the sealant materials test program; Phase 4 was a program to test joint and sealant systems; and Phase 5 addressed the design and manufacture of liner systems