Study on the shear mechanical response and failure characteristics of prefabricated double-cabin utility tunnel joints

Longitudinal joints are the most vulnerable parts of prefabricated utility tunnels, susceptible to damage from external forces and foundation settlement. Currently, the shear mechanical properties of prefabricated double-cabin utility tunnel joints are unclear, preventing the evaluation of the structural or joint safety of utility tunnels. The shear mechanical response and failure characteristics of the joints of prefabricated double-cabin utility tunnels are investigated by combining model testing with numerical simulation. The results indicate that the shear deformation of utility tunnel joints can be categorized into elastic, crack propagation, and damage stages. In the course of joint-shear deformation, the middle utility tunnel sustains centrosymmetric failure. The degree of deformation of the large cabin is greater than that of the small cabin, while the damage to the small cabin is more severe. When the utility tunnel is subjected to the same load, the joint dislocation under the gravelly sand foundation is the smallest, but the damage range is the largest and the cracks are the most. Local strengthening and protection are needed at the chamfer, near the bolt hole, and the top and bottom. The stratum conditions have little effect on the shear stiffness of the joint during the elastic stage, but they have a significant impact during the crack propagation and damage stages. Finally, the joint damage area is approximately 15% of the total utility tunnel, and the deformation region of the longitudinal connectors is approximately 16% of its length.