Dowel-Type Circumferential Joint

Enhanced Shear Capacity

A circumferential joint for shield tunnels incorporating a dowel to achieve flexible connection, reducing structural damage during misalignment.

Zhang, Junchen · Yan, Qixiang · Zhao, Yu · Sun, Minghui · Yao, Chaofan · Xu, Hongbin

Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology 2025

Advantages

Achieves joint flexibility via dowel, reducing damage during circumferential joint dislocation

Reveals two failure modes: concrete shear stage and steel rebar shear stage

Proposes an analytical method for N-Q envelope curves

Optimization design must consider axial force to effectively improve shear performance