Study on Deformation Characteristics of Segment Joints of the Immersed Tunnel in Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge

The segmental joints are the weak parts of immersed tunnel structure, and their deformation characteristics closely correlated with waterproof behavior structural safety whole tunnel. In order to study in this paper, E13 pipe section natural foundation an Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is taken as research object, model test carried out. similarity ratio prototype determined according actual engineering scale capability system, plexiglass selected material elastic modulus density. test, various working conditions, including back-silting load different prestress control values, analyzed, influence settlement opening obtained, along stress-strain segment joints. Results show that increase will element expansion joints, but application increases overall stiffness element, which can effectively restrain Furthermore, based on a finite established simulate mechanical curve numerical analysis found be similar those obtained from verifies reliability test.