Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• A novel analytical method based on hydraulic fracturing theories is proposed to characterize seepage at tunnel-gasketed joints. • Analytical expressions for interface opening and liquid pressure are derived, enabling quantitative prediction of gasketed interface behavior. • Parametric analysis reveals that the liquid tip coordinate is influenced by negative pressure in the liquid lag region, which is related to initial contact stress. • Comparative analysis under two limit states confirms excellent agreement with previous research, supporting the method's reliability for waterproofing design.
Abstract
Waterproof performance of gaskets between segments is the focus of shield tunnels. This paper proposed an analytical method for determining seepage characteristics at tunnel-gasketed joints based on the hydraulic fracturing theories. First, the mathematical model was established, and the seepage governing equation and boundary conditions were obtained. Second, three dimensionless parameters were introduced for simplifying the expressions, and the seepage governing equations were normalized. Third, analytical expressions were derived for the interface opening and liquid pressure. Moreover, the influencing factors of seepage process at the gasketed interface were analyzed. Parametric analyses revealed that, in the normalized criterion of liquid viscosity, the liquid tip coordinate was influenced by the degree of negative pressure in the liquid lag region, which was related to the initial contact stress. The coordinate of the liquid tip affected the liquid pressure distribution and the interface opening, which were analyzed under different liquid tip coordinate conditions. Finally, under two limit states, comparative analysis showed that the results of the variation trend of the proposed method agree well with those of previous research. Overall, the proposed analytical method provides a novel solution for the design of the waterproof in shield tunnels.
1. Introduction
The shield tunneling method is widely used in the construction of urban rail and underwater tunnels to alleviate traffic pressure because of its high automation potential, high construction efficiency, safety and reliability [1−4]. The lining of shield tunnel is composed of several precast segments connected by bolts [5]. Segmental joints are vulnerable points in the entire lining in structural and waterproof terms [6]. Studies have shown that leakage occurs mainly at the joints between segments [7].
The waterproofing performance of shield tunnel joints is often studied, and the main research methods are laboratory tests and numerical simulations. In laboratory tests, a T-joint waterproof experimental device [8], a segment joint full-scale experimental device [9] and a double-channel gasketed waterproof experimental device [10] were designed to test the waterproof ability of joints. In numerical simulations, the average contact stress method [11], the mesh-to-mesh solution mapping (MSM) + fluid pressure penetration (FPP) method [12, 13], the coupled Euler-Lagrange method (CEL) [14, 15] and the Python language-enabled secondary programming integrated with the ABAQUS finite element method (FEM) [16] have been used to simulate the leakage of gasketed joints.
However, laboratory tests and numerical simulations have many shortcomings. The laboratory tests require a large and complex experimental device, the test period is long, and the experiment process has many uncertain factors. Therefore, revealing the progressive failure mechanism of gasketed leakage via tests is difficult. Numerical simulations are also influenced by many factors, such as material parameter selection, cell grid division, and fluid simulation mode, which inevitably affect the simulation results.
The existing theoretical analysis methods are limited to qualitative evaluations of leakage along different leakage paths, and analytical research on seepage mechanisms is lacking. The process of seepage along the gasketed interface can be divided into three stages. In the first stage, water acts on one side of the gaskets with a certain compression force. When the water pressure is low, the interface of the gaskets remains tight, and water cannot penetrate. In the second stage, when the water pressure is greater than a certain critical value, the interface of the gaskets is opened to form a gap, and water flows into this gap; at the same time, water pressure is exerted on the interface of the gaskets. In the third stage, under a higher water pressure, the gap at the interface of the gaskets continues to expand, and
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GONG Chen-jie, CHENG Ming-jin, FAN Xuan, PENG Yi-cheng, DING Wen-qi (2025). Hydraulic fracturing-based analytical method for determining seepage characteristics at tunnel-gasketed joints. Journal of Central South University. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-024-5720-6
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proposed analytical method for determining seepage characteristics at tunnel-gasketed joints?
The method is based on hydraulic fracturing theories. It establishes a mathematical model, introduces three dimensionless parameters for normalization, and derives analytical expressions for interface opening and liquid pressure to quantify seepage at gasketed joints.
How does this analytical method improve upon existing laboratory tests and numerical simulations?
Laboratory tests require large and complex devices with long periods and uncertain factors, while numerical simulations are influenced by material parameters, mesh division, and fluid modes. The analytical method provides a simpler, more direct approach to characterize seepage mechanisms without these limitations.
What key parameters influence the seepage process at the gasketed interface?
The parametric analysis reveals that the liquid tip coordinate is influenced by the degree of negative pressure in the liquid lag region, which is related to the initial contact stress. The liquid tip coordinate further affects the liquid pressure distribution and interface opening.
What are the practical implications for shield tunnel waterproofing design?
The proposed analytical method offers a novel solution for designing waterproofing in shield tunnels by providing quantitative predictions of interface opening and liquid pressure, allowing engineers to optimize gasket performance under varying water pressures.
How does the proposed method compare with previous research?
Under two limit states, comparative analysis shows that the variation trend of the proposed method agrees well with previous research, confirming its validity and reliability for evaluating seepage at tunnel-gasketed joints.
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