Abstract: The numerous intricate parameters that affect the shield tunnel segment joints′ stiffness make it challenging to manufacture scale segment joint models and produce accurate simulation results. Therefore, a simulation method with a special spring and an embedded bolt is employed to simulate the prototype segment joint. Then, the axial rigidity, shearing rigidity, and bending stiffness of the designed model segment joint and prototype segment bolt joint are analyzed separately. Furthermore, a comparative analysis is used to determine the equivalence between the designed model segment joint and the prototype segment bolted joint, and the similarity between the stiffness of the scale model segment and the prototype segment joint can satisfy the similarity between the test settings. Finally, the model segment′s feasibility is validated using a stacked load test, and the theoretical analysis and model tests show that the stiffness of the model joint by the proposed method is equivalent to that of the prototype segment joint, which can meet the prototype segment′s simulation requirement.

Key words: shield tunnel, scale reduction test, similarity theory, segment joint, joint stiffness