Numerical calibration of mechanical behaviour of composite shell tunnel linings

A numerical model by the finite difference method was then set up for the beams and verified against the test data. With interface stiffnesses obtained from previous element tests, the composite beam model is capable of predicting the strain distribution across the cross-section and real behaviour of composite beam members to within an acceptable level of accuracy taking into account variations arising from workmanship. Sensitivity studies were carried out to understand the impact of interface properties and membrane interface position on the degree of composite action.