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Structural Design and Testing of a Bolted and Gasketed Pre-Cast Concrete Segmental Lining for High External Hydrostatic Pressure

2002

S. Swartz, H. Lum & M. McRae
Jacobs Associates, San Francisco, California

D.J. Curtis
Mott-MacDonald, London, England

J. Shamma
Metropolitan Water District, Los Angeles, California

 



Restrictions on water inflows into the tunnel excavations for the Inland Feeder Arrowhead Tunnels require the utilization of a bolted and gasketed pre-cast concrete segmental primary lining system. The bolted gasketed segments have been designed for a maximum expected groundwater head of 275 meters, in addition to other applicable loads. Each of the segment’s critical components, including the joints, segment body, joint edges at the gasket groove, and load-transferring packer, are designed to assure segment performance under the design loading conditions.

This paper discusses the load conditions anticipated for the tunnels, provides an overview of similar projects, discusses the design procedure for the segments, summarizes the design verification testing program, and discusses other important issues that impact performance.