Simplified nonlinear simulation of shield tunnel lining reinforced by epoxy bonded steel plates

• The approach can simulate deformed linings reinforced by bonding steel plates.
• Epoxy adhesive strength influences strength of reinforced linings significantly.
• Steel plates with thickness exceeding 20 mm improve linings stiffness and capacity.

A high-efficiency simplified modeling approach based on fiber-beam elements and discrete elements is proposed for investigating the nonlinear response of shield tunnel reinforced concrete linings. The proposed approach focus on following main features: modeling simplicity and computational efficiency, the considerations of critical material and geometric nonlinearity associated with the entire loading process, including the stage of reinforcing the deformed concrete lining by steel plates. Comparison between the analysis results of the proposed numerical model and the experimental results from the full-scale structural test are presented to validate the developed model. The results show that the proposed model can capture the essential characteristics of the nonlinear load–deformation response of segmental tunnel lining. The modeling approach presents a balance between simplicity and accuracy, and serves as a viable alternative to detailed finite elements analysis.