Reinforcement of impaired shield tunnel structure by stainless steel corrugated plate

This paper presents a case study on the reinforcement of an impaired shield tunnel structure using Stainless Steel Corrugated Plate (SSCP) in China. The SSCP used in this study is made from the novel duplex stainless steel S32001, characterized by its high strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance. A full-scale test is conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of the SSCP-reinforced tunnel structure. Experimental results reveal that SSCP reinforcement significantly enhances structural bearing capacity and stiffness, with shear failure at the bonding interface identified as the primary failure mode. Based on these findings, two design concepts are proposed: enhancing interface bonding shear strength and improving connecting stiffness between SSCPs. The practical application of SSCP reinforcement in the case study tunnel is then carried out, where the design concepts are successfully applied. Additionally, the practical implementation also reveals that SSCP reinforcement offers superior construction and economic efficiency compared to traditional steel plate reinforcement. This study provides valuable insights into both academic research and engineering practice, demonstrating the potential of SSCP as an effective solution for reinforcing impaired shield tunnels.