Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in

precast segments

24 May 2018 – Zürich

Lessons from Twenty Years of Application

Giuseppe Tiberti (1), Giovanni Plizzari(1), Elena Chiriotti(2)

(1) University of Brescia, Italy www.unibs.it

(2) INCAS Partners, France www.incas-partners.com
Authors
Giuseppe Tiberti (Italy)
Associate Professor of Structural Engineering in Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture,
Land, Environment and of Mathematics of the University of Brescia. He got a Ph.D. in Materials for
Engineering in 2009, from the University of Brescia. His domains of specialization include tunnel
linings made by precast segments in Fiber Reinforced Concrete, concrete pavements and
nonlinear analyses of reinforced concrete structures.

Giovanni Plizzari (Italy)

Professor of Structural Engineering in Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Land,
Environment and of Mathematics of the University of Brescia. His research domains include
material properties and structural applications of high-performance concrete, fiber-reinforced
concrete, concrete pavements, fatigue and fracture of concrete, and steel-to-concrete interaction
in reinforced concrete structures. He is member of fib Task Group 8.3 “Fiber Reinforced Concrete”
and he was involved in Chapters devoted to FRC of fib Model Code 2010.

Elena Chiriotti (France)

Graduated in Civil Engineering from the Politecnico of Turin, Italy, she obtained a PhD in rock
mechanics in 1997. After spending 11 years at Geodata, Italy, she joined SYSTRA, from 2007 to
2015, as director of Tunnels and Underground Structures Department. Since 2015 she is the co-
founder and CEO of INCAS Partners, consulting company in the domain of technical, strategical
and contractual issues related to underground works. Elena is an active member of AFTES and ITA,
she participates in several national and international working groups. Since 2016, she is the
animator of ITA Working Group 2 – Research.

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Content of the presentation

• ITA WG02 Report n.16/2016 – FRC in precast segments

• Why Fiber Reinforced Concrete?
• 20 years of case histories – lessons learned
• Standards and recommendations on FRC: what is missing ?
• Contribution of ITA WG02 Report n.16/2016
• Concluding remarks & future developments

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Scope of ITA WG02 Report n. 16/2016
• Take advantage of more than 20 years of
FRC practice in precast tunnel lining 
feedback from real cases
• Support a performance–based design of
FRC structural elements  all kind of fibers
respecting long-term requirements
• Provide additional design principles to
complete the existing standards and
recommendations for the specific case of
segmental lining for tunnels
 loading conditions
 recent research advances
 analytical and numerical design procedures to
consider the post-cracking residual strength
provided by fibers

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Content of ITA WG02 Report n. 16/2016

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Why Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC)
FRC is a composite material with a cementitious matrix and a discontinuous
reinforcement, the fibers (e.g., metal, glass, synthetic or natural materials)
offering:
• enhanced resistance to crack development (post-cracking strength)
• considerable increase of toughness (i.e., ability to resist internal crack
propagation) of FRC considered as a composite
• optimized reinforcement for diffused stresses Function of fibre characteristics
(material, shape, aspect ratio)
σ σ quantity, orientation and
fct fct concrete mix design
FRC
Fiber content Vf ≤ 1%
+ σres(w)

Increment of toughness

ε w
Plain (without fibres)

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
 Precast tunnel lining
Temporary load conditions: flexural demand on tunnel segments
- Storage load condition
- Placing process / de-moulding

Brescia Metro Line\ (N. Della Valle) Barcelona Metro Line

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Precast tunnel lining
Final load condition: the lining is loaded by the ground/water pressure: so called
lining embedded soil load condition. Favorable condition, the lining is mainly under
compression

Ground support

Ground/
water pressure

Lining

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Precast tunnel lining
Temporary load conditions: Tunnel Boring Machine thrust phase. The TBM is
pushed forward by thrust jacks in order to guarantee the excavation process (thrust
phase). These hydraulic jacks push off on the last placed ring.

Shield

Hydraulic jacks Cutter

Head

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Use of FRC in precast tunnel lining – key factors
 Enhancement of structural behaviour
• high resistance against impact loads during transportation and handling
• stable development of splitting cracks
• reduction of stirrups and replacement of shear reinforcement
• reduced spalling / damages to corners
• combines with reinforcing bars to cope with high localized stresses

 Improvement of precasting process

• time reduction in shaping, handling and
placing rebars
• reduction/elimination of storage areas
for traditional reinforcement

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
20 years of FRC applications – case histories
 73 case histories
• 37 in America, Asia,
Australia
• 36 in Europe

 From the ‘90s to 2016

(with two cases in the
80’s, in Italy)
Case studies over the years

2011-2016

2006-2010

2000-2005

'90s

'80s

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Collected case histories
16 case histories documented in detail

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
EXCAVATION METHOD

TUNNEL TBM DATA

CHARACTERISTICS

REINFORCEMENT OF
MIX DESIGN SEGMENTAL LINING

ENVIRONMENT & GEOLOGY

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
 Di [m]

0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16

Izumi-Otsu
Big Walnut Sewer

24 May 2018, Zürich

Oi-Ariake Cable
Hybrid

Asada trunk Line

Midosuji Utility
Fontsanta–Trinitat Interconnection
San Francisco Central Subway
Public Sewage
FGC Terrassa
STEP Abu Dhabi Lot T-02
Keio Line

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments

Koishikawa kasen
Barcelona Metro Line 9 - Stretch I
Collected case histories

Madrid Metro
Malaga rail tunnel
Metropolitan Expressway Central…
Clem Jones - Clem 7
Oënzberg-TBM
Sagami Line
Metropolitan Expressway

ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti Metropolitan Expressway

Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
 Di [m]

0
2
4
6
8
10
12
Hachinger
City West Cable Tunnel (CWCT)
Harefield Gas tunnel
Adelaide Desalination Plant
Heathrow– SWOT
Hofoldinger Stollen
Ems-Dollard Crossing

24 May 2018, Zürich

Only fiber

Pando
Fanaco
Monte Lirio
San Vicente
Gold Coast Desalination Plant
Trasvases Manabi (La Esperanza)
Abatemarco
Brightwater West
Hobson Bay
Abu Hamour
Sorenberg
Victorian Desalination Plant
Copenhagen District Heating Tunnel
Jubilee Line
Lesotho Highlands
Lötschberg
Heathrow Baggage Handling

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments

Heathrow – PiccEx
Brightwater Central
Brightwater East
Collected case histories

Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Extension

Canal de Navarra
Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express Extension (HexEx)
Tunnel diameter Di

Heathrow Express Ext. Tunnel to T5

El Alto
Metrosud
Napoli metro
Downtown Line 3
Thomson Line
Doha Metro Red North Line
Crossrail
East side CSO
Beacon Hill Tunnels
Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL)
Lee Tunnel Sewer
Essen
2nd Heinenoord
Wehrhahn
Sao Paulo Metro Line 4
Oënzberg tunnel
Barcelona Metro Lin 9 - Can Zam Stretch
Legacy Way
Airport Link
Oënzberg-Shield
ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
Barcelona Metro Line 9 (2004-2005) 1/2

TUNNEL CHARACTEERISTICS
Total Tunnel Length 41.4 km
Boring diameter /TBM 12.1 m / EPB
Overburden (min-max) 30-70 m
Lining type Segmental
Ring type Universal ring
Thickness 0.35 m
Internal diameter Di 10.9 m
Tunnel aspect ratio (Di/h) 31.14
Average segment aspect ratio 13.88
No. of segments 7 segments+1 key segment
Segment length/width 4.7 m/1.8 m

One of the first pilot project for the

application of SFRC in precast segments 350 10900 350

11600

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Barcelona Metro Line 9 (2004-2005) 2/2
Reinforcement design solution studied Rebars [kg/m3] Fibres [kg/m3] Total Reference
[kg/m3]
Original solution 97 25 SFRC 50/1.0 122 Gettu et al.
Lf/φf=50 2004
(structural
+SFRC ft,fibre=1100 MPa
contribution of
fibres not considered)
Experimental solution 01 --- 60 SFRC 50/1.0 60 Gettu et al.
Lf/φf=50 2004

ft,fibre=1100 MPa

Experimental solution 02 46 25 SFRC 50/0.75, 71 Plizzari et

(in 2 chords Lf/φf = 66.67, al. 2005
along the ft,fibre=1100 MPa
longer segment
sides)

30 rings of Solution 01 constructed, installed and instrumented in the

Main Bon-Pastor to Cam-Zam section. Occurrence of splitting cracks and local
lessons failures (contact irregularities). Solution not generalized to the whole
learned tunnel (original solution adopted, conventional rebars not optimized by
fully exploiting the fibres contribution)
Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Legacy Way Tunnel, Australia (2011-2015)
TUNNEL CHARACTEERISTICS
Total Tunnel Length 4.6 km
Boring diameter / TBM 12.4 m / double-shield
Overburden (min-max) ---
Lining type Segmental
Ring type Universal ring
Thickness 0.35 m
Internal diameter Di 11.30 m
Tunnel aspect ratio (Di/h) 32.3
Average segment aspect ratio 12.10
No. of segments 9
Segment length/width 4.2 m/2 m
Large diameter tunnels where a solution with fibres only was
adopted. Hybrid reinforcement used only in highly loaded
sections of the tunnel and at the cross-passage locations.
Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Monte Lirio Tunnel, Panama (2005-2010)
TUNNEL CHARACTEERISTICS
7.9 km
Total Tunnel Length

Boring diameter / TBM 3.9 m /

Overburden (min-max) -
Lining type Segmental
Ring type Universal ring
Thickness 0.25 m Design according to the fib
Model Code 2010, assisted by
Internal diameter Di 3.20 m full scale bending and thrust
Tunnel aspect ratio (Di/h) 12.8 tests (the latter to reproduce
Average segment aspect ratio the TBM action on the
7.75
segment during excavation).
No. of segments 6 segments
The full-scale tests were
Segment length/width 1.84 m/1.2 m developed on FRC segments,
without conventional
reinforcement.
Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
20 years of FRC applications – lessons
Enhancement of structural behaviour

Control of splitting cracks :

Better control of flexural reduction or substitution of
cracks (e.g. liningl final stage) local stirrups in segment
region uder TBM shoes

Improvement of
post-cracking
strength due to
fiber addition
Control of splitting cracks :
Control of shear cracks:
reduction or substitution of
complete substitution or
local stirrups in longitudinal
reduction of stirrups for shear
joints of the segment

Towards a performance–based FRC design based

on the ability of the composite material to resist
internal crack propagation (i.e., toughness)
Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
20 years of FRC applications – lessons
• Localized stresses are better resisted by conventional rebars
Lessons • Diffused stresses (e.g., splitting stresses) are better resisted by fibres
learnt • Fibre content is not a complete information  residual post-cracking strength

• The flexural demand in tunnel segments is a key-point for evaluating the

possibility to completely substitute traditional rebars with FRC
Keys • Localized bending stresses can be due to acting ground loads or can be
generated by contact irregularities occuring during the TBM thrust phase

• Nature/frequency of load conditions (both ground & excavation)  High

localized stresses in the specific project ? Where/when? Possible to reduce /
avoid contact irregularities during TBM thrust? Etc.
• If not  high-performance FRC or hybrid solution (rebars and FRC); in
alternative, use FRC only and foresee hybrid in critical alignment sections
(intersections, bad ground conditions, etc.)
Recom.
• Design considering post-cracking strength and prescribe FRC performances the
necessary boundary conditions
• Composite material  specific mix-design (workability, durability, etc.) and
fibres selection vs. concrete strength (pull-out rather than rupture)
Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Existing standards and recommendations
• Model Code 2010 and some other relevant codes [RILEM TC 162-TDF, CNR-DT
204, DafStb Guideline] provide the performance-based design approach and
classes based on FRC post-cracking residual strength
• The ITA-Report n.16 of WG02 refers directly to Model Code 2010 (*)
5 σN SERVICEABILITY condition RESIDUAL
fR1k =2.2 MPa
[MPa] fR3k /fR1k = 0.82 ----- 2b STRENGTH
fR3k =1.8 MPa
4 RATIO
ULTIMATE condition

3 e
d
fR1k c
2 b fR3k
a

1
CMOD1

CMOD2

CMOD3

CMOD4
0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4
CMOD [mm]
CMOD = Crack Mouth Opening Displacement, from a 3-point bending test on a notched beam
fRjk = characteristic residual flexural tensile strength corresponding to CMODj (*) Then published in 2012

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Existing standards and recommendations
Evaluation of post-cracking FRC
Design of FRC Design of FRC for tunnel linings
residual strengths

- EN-14651 - fib Model Code 2010 - AFTES recommendations (*)

- ASTM C1609/C1609M - RILEM TC 162-TDF - DBV recommendations (*)
- ASTM C1399/C1399M - CNR-DT-204 - DAUB recommendations (*)
- ASTM C1550/1550M - DafStb Guideline - ACI report 544.7R-16
- JCI-SF4
- DIN 1045-2

Material behavior on small Behaviour of Structural FRC precast tunnel segments

samples) Elements (*) refers only to the design Steel
(e.g., slab or beam) Fibre Reinforced Concrete (SFRC)

NOTE: fib bulletin n.83, WP 1.4.1, Precast tunnel

segments in fibre-reinforced concrete (2017), appears
one year after ITA WG02 publication n.16
Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
What is missing in standards/recommendations?
fib Model Code 2010
• Describes the performance approach
for FRC design
• easily applied for beams or slabs,
• needs to be contextualized to precast
tunnel segments (e.g., temporary
loading condition during excavation
 eccentricity, TBM thrust,
injections, etc.).

Post-cracking residual strengths can be exploited

during these stages even if no specific
recommendations are given by Model Code 2010

DEVELOP SPECIFIC BASES FOR DESIGN

NOTE: fib bulletin n.83, WP 1.4.1, Precast tunnel
segments in fibre-reinforced concrete (2017), appears
one year after ITA WG02 publication n.16

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – General approach
Flexural demand
 different load cases
 Irregularities / frequency of occurrence

FRC only or
hybrid?

Concrete mix design Performance definition (FRC class,

Fibres content fR1k/fR3k ratio, fibre type)

Preliminary tests on composite FRC

FRC constitutive law

Conformity tests during segmental Analytical approaches,

lining production • Analysis of Load Cases
2D/3D analyses
• Definition of Boundary Conditions
Linear & non-linear

Testing does not

Local scale analyses / testing Global scale analyses / testing
substitute designing!
Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations - Tools
Introduction of the post-cracking strength of FRC in
the segmental lining design approach

ANALYTICAL APPROACHES: proposed by standards (e.g., Model Code 2010)

for typical flexural behavior (beam theory: the segment is assimilated to a
beam during demoulding, handling, transportation, and final stage)

NUMERICAL NON-LINEAR METHODS: recognized by standards (e.g., Model

Code 2010). In case of tunnel segments, such models are necessary for
capturing FRC contribution under TBM jacks and in longitudinal joints

EXPERIMENTAL TESTS on small scale samples or full-scale tunnel segments

CONFORMITY TESTS: during the production of precast FRC segments, the
residual post-cracking strength shall be systematically verified

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Ex. TBM thrust phase
Identification of issues
(II) Ratio governing local
(I) Thrust Force
splitting behavior

- ground conditions
- tunnel overburden
- number of shoes

TBM THRUST
PHASE
(III) Segment (IV) Irregularities (V) FRC performance
configuration
- eccentric placement
of thrust shoes
- un-even support

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Ex. TBM thrust phase

ANALYSIS OF LOCAL BEHAVIOUR: analyse

the tensile transverse stresses (splitting or
bursting stresses perpendicular to the
loading direction)
Force exerted
by jacks
 Specific experimental tests prove that FRC enables a stable propagation of cracks
compared to plain concrete  appropriate design tools  non-linear numerical
analyses and experimental tests

crack
ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL BEHAVIOUR : consider
possible irregularities of contact (e.g.,
eccentricity of thrust shoes, uneven

gap
support, etc.)
 FRC tunnels segments (fibres only) more vulnerable to irregular load conditions 
increased localized stresses  attention to the type and frequency of occurrence
of such irregularities  analysis with different boundary conditions

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Step-by-step analyses
Proposed procedure

Advanced segment 3D
model – non-linear
Simplified segment 2D
model – non-linear UNI

A 1 2

Simplified local, 2D,

linear or non-linear B 1 2

numerical model or
analytical formulations C 1 2

Evaluation of local Evaluation of local and global mechanism with respect to

splitting stresses possible use of FRC.
Capture the post-cracking FRC contribution.
Asses the maximum crack width (if any) at service condition
(with crack control due to fibers)
Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Modelling
3D advanced numerical model
Configuration A Configuration B
Steel plates

Interface under
steel plates

Segment

Interface on the
Interface on lateral surfaces bottom surface Interface on lateral surfaces

s
fct

Not only a complex 3D geometry, but

a post cracking constitutive law
reproducing the FRC behaviour w

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Modelling
Global behavior: bearing capacity & development of cracks

Normal loading condition, configuration-B

45
3.5
40

35 3.0

Total load/Service load [-]

30 2.5
Total load [MN]

25 2.0
20
1.5
(C)
15
(B)
1.0
10
(A) 0.5
5
SFRC 6c
0 0.0
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
Average displacement under the loading surfaces [mm]

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Modelling
Local behavior: influence of FRC performance on spalling crack
Normal loading condition, configuration-B
45
3.5
40
3.0

Total load/Service load [-]

35
Total load [MN]

30 2.5
FRC 2b exhibits a crack
25 2.0 opening of about three
20
1.5 times of that shown by
15
FRC 6c at 1.5 times the
1.0
10
service load
SFRC 2b 0.5
5 0.14 mm 0.45 mm
SFRC 6c
0 0.0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
Crack opening in the region between the thrust jacks
[mm]

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Testing
Experimental tests on small samples (local behaviour) or full-scale tunnel elements
(local and global behaviour) as useful tools for proving the design approach

SMALL SCALE TEST reproducing the FULL SCALE TEST: local behavior and boundary
local behavior under TBM thrust jacks conditions of the segment are considered

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Testing
SMALL SCALE TEST - typical behavior of FRC samples for evaluating local
splitting behavior

Thrust phase:

high compressive
stresses on a small
area Force exerted by jack

Proper specimens dimensions

and configurations

were adopted in order to study

this local behavior

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Testing
SMALL SCALE TEST - typical behavior of FRC samples having adequate post-
cracking strengths (FRC class 2e or higher)

I: Linear elastic phase of concrete

II: Crack formation and propagation
III: Concrete wedge formation and failure

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Modelling joints
Long term condition – Consider the interaction between 2 adjacent rings for FRC segments

JOINTS (between perfect continuity and perfect hinge)

 rotational spring in a bedded -beam model

Acting load  transfer zone (contact area) 

deformations  rotation by integrating the curvature
over the depth of the contact area  stiffness of the
rotational spring by calculating the bending moment
vs. rotation relationship of the equivalent concrete
beam
Without joints With joints

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Our recommendations – Other load cases
LOAD CASE Approach SLS ULS
Demoulding
Avoid cracks as much
as possible during
Analytical these stages.
σ 1, 2 ≤ f ctk ,0.05 (demoulding )
The SLS verification is
independent by fibre
resistant contribution
(since fibres act after
Storage cracking) Attention to misalignment of the
Segment internal supports of piled tunnel segments
Minimum required
forces (N, V, M) are σ 1, 2 ≤ f ctk ,storage bearing capacity that
Analytical calculated segments must provide
Evaluation (or estimation) of FRC
Control of σ1,2 fracture parameters (fRi), at the time for not collapsing
(principal tensile of storage (an experimental campaign
stress) in the most on testing samples is recommended)
critical tunnel
Segments erection segment section,
calculated by means Concrete mechanical and fracture
of Mohr’s circle properties at 28 days
Analytical according to the
combination of σ 1, 2 ≤ f ctk
N, V, M

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Concluding remarks & future developments
 We follow the fib Model Code 2010, adding recommendations for a
complete segmental lining design procedure

 We support a performance-based FRC design

 We help clarifying for which loading conditions or stress conditions fiber

contribution can be exploited

 In doing that, we promote the use of non-linear modelling

 We consider testing fundamental for proving the design approach (not to

substitute it)

 Expected future developments: analytical simplified approach (adequate for

practitioners) for taking into account:
• the fiber contribution (at least bearing capacity) against local splitting behaviour
• the local FRC contribution in longitudinal joints
…also missing in fib bulletin 83 (2017)

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
 Thanks you for your kind attention!

For detailed questions: [email protected]; [email protected]

Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti
Useful papers/books on this topic
1. ACI Committee 544 (2016), Report on Design and Construction of Fibre Reinforced Precast Concrete Tunnel
Segments, ACI 544.7R-16, American Concrete Institute, Farmington Hills, MI, pp. 36.
2. Caratelli A., Meda A., Rinaldi Z. (2012), Design according to MC2010 of a fibre-reinforced concrete tunnel in
Monte Lirio, Panama, Structural Concrete, V.13, No. 3, 2012, pp. 166–173.
3. Di Prisco M., Plizzari G.A., Vandewalle L. (2009), Fibre reinforced concrete: new design perspectives,
Materials and Structures, ISSN: 1359-5997, DOI 10.1617/s11527-008-9385-7, Vol. 42, No. 9, pp. 1261-1281,.
4. EN-14651 (2005), Test method for metallic fibre concrete - Measuring the flexural tensile strength (limit of
proportionally (LOP), residual), European Committee for Standardization, 18pp.
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Structural use of fibre reinforced concrete in precast segments Lessons from Twenty Years of Application
24 May 2018, Zürich ITA WG02 – Tiberti, Plizzari, Chiriotti