Experimental Study on the Mechanics Characteristics of CFRP Strengthening of Highway Tunnels at Different Damage States

Abstract EN

Cracks and other diseases may occur in the long-term operation of highway tunnels and reduce the structural load-carrying capacity.

Strengthening using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets and other materials could extend the service time of the tunnels.

However, the process of strengthening tunnels is remarkably different from the process of strengthening aboveground structures because of the secondary load.

In order to understand the development of stress and deformation of strengthened tunnels under secondary load, a 1 : 10 scaled model was tested to simulate the tunnel strengthened with CFRP under different damage states.

The test results show that CFRP strengthening improved the stiffness of the structure and inhibited the propagation of the existing cracks.

The peeling of the CFRP sheets made the strengthened structure quickly lose its load-carrying capacity, causing the instability of the structure.

The failure loads of the structures strengthened at different damage states were essentially the same, with an average value of 184% of the original failure load.

Nevertheless, the early strengthening helped control the structural deformation.

The test results also demonstrate that the bonding strength between the CFRP and the lining is essential for strengthening effectiveness.

This study provides a theoretical basis for similar engineering reinforcement designs.