Study on seismic response characteristics of full light-weight concrete prefabricated utility tunnels

In order to evaluate the seismic response characteristics of full light-weight concrete prefabricated utility tunnels, four prefabricated utility tunnels were conducted for test with different variables. Under unidirectional seismic excitation, the seismic response characteristics were analyzed by shaking table tests. And the corresponding numerical analysis models were proposed with ABAQUS. Based on the comparison between the simulation results and the experimental data, the influences of the parameters that full light-weight concrete, haunch heights, and reinforcement ratio on seismic response of prefabricated utility tunnels were systematically studied. The results indicated that the value of the peak acceleration, acceleration amplification factor, and peak displacement were reduced significantly with full light-weight concrete, which could decrease the seismic response of prefabricated utility tunnels. When the haunch heights and reinforcement ratio were properly increased, the seismic performance of prefabricated utility tunnels could be improved slightly. In addition, the peak displacement of full light-weight concrete prefabricated utility tunnels could meet the requirements, and there was no obvious damage until the end of test. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental data, and the seismic response characteristics were consistent. The results of this paper could provide a technical basis for the promotion and application for full light-weight concrete prefabricated utility tunnels. © 2021 Techno-Press, Ltd.