Abstract
The behavior of a tunnel lining is a typical ground-lining interaction problem which depends on the relative stiffnesses of the lining and the ground as well as the initial stress conditions. In this paper a strict solution of the relative stiffness is derived for both full-slip and no-slip conditions at the ground-lining interface; moreover, the solution is modified for the interaction to be not affected directly by the ground movements due to the initial stresses before tunneling. The analytical results of different linings are quantitatively evaluated by using a common index, “support-stiffnesses”, for the tunnel lining, the surrounding rock mass and the total, which must be useful for practical implications and the further development of tunnel support design.
