A hybrid analysis method for displacement-monitored segmented circular tunnel rings

Segmented tunnel rings exhibit load-induced interfacial dislocations. In order to facilitate structural analysis, a hybrid method is developed and applied to a real-scale test of a segmented tunnel ring. Point loads, imposed on the tested ring, and measured interfacial discontinuities serve as input for the analysis. Moreover, the method accounts for the structural behavior of the individual segments by means of newly derived transfer relations. They represent analytical solutions of the first-order theory of slender circular arches, exhibiting constant cross-sectional properties. The tool for the development of this basically well-known theory is the principle of virtual power. Its involvement is motivated by the possibility of a mechanically consistent derivation of relations, some of which have been used for a long time without analyzing their scientific background. The validity and the usefulness of the transfer relations follow from a comparison of newly derived solutions with (i) alternative analytical solutions, (ii) Finite Element solutions, and (iii) experimental data. The computational efficiency and the usefulness of the developed hybrid method are demonstrated by structural analysis of a segmented tunnel ring. It provides valuable insight into the load-carrying behavior of the tested structure without the need to describe the nontrivial behavior of segment-to-segment interfaces.