Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Applications in Tunnel Engineering
Summary
Fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has emerged as a transformative material in the design and construction of tunnel linings worldwide. By integrating discrete fibres—typically steel, synthetic or hybrid combinations—into conventional concrete matrices, FRC achieves improved tensile strength, toughness and crack control without reliance on extensive rebar cages. In segmental linings installed by tunnel boring machines, fibres help distribute loads during jacking, reduce chipping at joint interfaces and enhance segment resilience under misaligned thrust. In situ cast linings within soft or heterogeneous ground benefit from the ductility of FRC, mitigating deformation-induced cracking and improving structural safety. Recent advances in ultrahigh-performance concrete (UHPC) with hybrid steel fibres enable thinner, lighter segments while delivering multiple crack patterns under flexure, which can increase load-bearing capacity and service life. In seismically active or fault-crossing tunnels, fibre-reinforced linings exhibit superior anti-breaking performance and can maintain integrity under dynamic stresses. Collectively, these developments underscore the global significance of fibre reinforcement in reducing maintenance, accelerating construction schedules and enhancing tunnel durability across geological and operational contexts.
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Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Applications in Tunnel Engineering publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in fiber-reinforced concrete applications in tunnel engineering across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC): A composite material in which discrete fibres are added to concrete to enhance tensile strength, toughness and crack resistance.
Segmental Lining: Precast curved concrete segments assembled to form the tunnel’s primary structural support, often installed behind a tunnel boring machine.
Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete (UHPC): A highly engineered concrete with exceptionally high compressive strength, low permeability and superior durability.
Strain Hardening: A post-cracking phase in which a composite continues to carry increasing loads through multiple fine cracks.
Thrust Load: The jacking or ground pressure applied normal to tunnel lining segments during installation or service.
References
- Assessment of steel-fiber-reinforced segmental lining of Chamshir water conveyance tunnel, Iran: Integrating laboratory experiments, field observations, and numerical analysis. Case Studies in Construction Materials (2024).
- Mechanical Behavior of Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete Tunnel Lining Segments. Materials (2021).
- Study on the Model Test of the Antibreaking Effect of Fiber Reinforced Concrete Lining in Tunnel. Shock and Vibration (2020).
- Experimental Study on Load Bearing Characteristics of Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Lining in the Soft Surrounding Rock Tunnel. Advances in Civil Engineering (2020).
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