Application of Middle-performance Concrete for Construction of Tunnel Lining

Abstract

Several problems are often found in the construction of tunnel lining, such as reduction in concrete density due to improper compaction at the tunnel crown, lower concrete strength at construction joints, and void at the back of lining due to insufficient filling. In order to address these problems, the expressway companies in Japan have regulated “Mountain Tunneling Construction Management Guidance (for tunnel lining by means of middle-performance concrete)” in August 2008. Applications of middle-performance concrete for construction of tunnel lining could be expected not only to improve the concrete quality but also the workability, on the other hand solving the future problem of manpower shortage as consequence of aging population. Owing to these merits, the number of similar applications is anticipated to increase in the near future. This paper discusses the knowledge and problems pertaining to the middle-performance concrete through a series of trials, i.e. laboratory tests, field tests using a large mock form and in-situ application on the Aratsu Tunnel at the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway.