Physical and Numerical Simulations on Mechanical Properties of a Prefabricated Underground Utility Tunnel

The "U-shaped ferrule joint bars connections" have a stable mechanical property, requiring a low level of construction accuracy and a relatively simple connection process, which significantly increase the construction speed. Based on the "U-shaped ferrule joint bars connections" technology, a new type of prefabricated concrete underground utility tunnel was proposed. This prefabricated technology realizes a formwork-free construction and vertical support-free assembly of the top plate on site. Through the full-scale model static test and numerical analyses, the mechanical properties, i.e., the crack development law and bearing capacity, were systematically investigated to validate the effectiveness of the "U-shaped ferrule joint bars connections". The test results indicated that the performance of the "U-shaped ferrule joint bars connections" is reliable. During the loading process, the prefabricated utility tunnel experienced three stages, i.e., cracking, stiffness degradation, and ultimate failure. The numerical analysis results correlated with the test results well. The simulation results showed that the bearing capacities of the prefabricated underground utility tunnel and the cast-in-place utility tunnel were similar. The longitudinal joint connections of the prefabricated utility tunnel allow the structure as an integration to maintain favourable mechanical properties.