Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Tunnel Segments

Abstract: The tunnelling industry continuously strives to reduce construction costs while finding more sustainable solutions. This seemingly contradictory requirement can be addressed by the benefits of macro synthetic fibre (MSF) reinforced concrete solutions. Experience from several projects has shown that MSF reinforced concrete segments exhibit robust, durable, and dependable behaviour even under very difficult conditions. Parallel to investigations from the industry, academic research is being undertaken to better understand the behaviour of this material when subjected to the loads typically expected during mechanised tunnelling with a TBM. This paper investigates the performance of MSF reinforced concrete tunnel segments by means of an experimental program comprising testing of full-scale tunnel segments. The presentation of the satisfactory results of the experimental testing programme will be rounded up by brief case histories from successfully completed projects.