Abstract

This paper concerns the effect of lining interface adherence on the lining's load carrying capacity. A series of reduced scale laboratory tests and finite element anlayses were carried out with the aim of gaining insight into the effect of shotcrete lining adherence on the load carrying capacity of double shell lining. The results indicated among other things that the load carrying capacity of a double shell tunnel is significantly affected by the adherence between layers. Also revealed was that for cases with low lining layer adherence stress concentration may occur due to relative movement between the lining layers with this trend being more pronounced with increasing tunnel cover depth. Practical implications from the results of this study are discussed in great detail.