Abstract
To counter earthquake damage in the longitudinal direction of shield tunnels, displacement absorption by flexible segments or improved resistivity by ductile segments has generally been adopted. However, the former method is unsuitable when displacement absorption is required over a wide area, and the latter is costly.
By experiment and analysis, the authors have confirmed the effectiveness of creating rigidity-reducing sections using elastic washers, in places where the firmness of the ground or the rigidity of the tunnel lining lacks continuity. Moreover, we have studied and confirmed by experiment the required performance of the washer for the Trans-Tokyo Bay Highway.
