Title:
State-of-the-Art Report on Sealing
Joints in Tunnels
Author(s):
ACI Committee 504
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
4
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
17-29
Keywords:
concrete construction; gaskets; joint
sealers; joints (junctions); plastics, polymers and
resins; precast concrete; tunnels.
DOI:
Date:
6/1/1982
Abstract:
The present state of the art in tunnel construction involves installing a concrete lining to minimize cracks and water infiltration. The shape, location, and type of joints, as well as the material used as joint sealant affect the prevention of water infiltration. There are two methods for lining tunnels with concrete. The cast-in-place method is well developed, employing longitudinal and transverse joints to facilitate construction. Longitudinal joints are sealed by bonding concrete to concrete. Transverse joints are sealed with rubber or polyvinylchloride water-stops. The precast concrete method uses precast segments. Here the design of joints varies with each project in accordance with whether construction is in soil or rock and if groundwater is present. In precast linings the lap, knuckle, flush, tongue and groove, and convex to convex joints have been used, bolted or nonbolted. The sealants commonly in-clude bituminous mastics, elastomeric materials, wood strips, gasket-caulking, epoxy materials, or a combination of these materials. The joint sealing systems applied in various projects are reviewed.*