Design of SFRC Segmental Tunnel Linings: A Practical Framework for Wider Implementation in Hong Kong

Authors

  • T. H. Lee Asia Infrastructure Solutions Limited, Hong Kong Author
  • T. C. Choi Asia Infrastructure Solutions Limited, Hong Kong Author
  • C. O. A. Leung Asia Infrastructure Solutions Limited, Hong Kong Author
  • K. H. Chan Asia Infrastructure Solutions Limited, Hong Kong Author
  • Z. Y. Li Asia Infrastructure Solutions Limited, Hong Kong Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21467/proceedings.8.2.22

Abstract

Precast steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) segmental tunnel linings offer clear benefits in fabrication efficiency, crack control, durability and lifecycle cost, yet their use in Hong Kong remains limited due to the lack of local design guidelines and uncertainty about conditions under which SFRC can replace traditional reinforcement bars. This paper reviews the existing international design practices for SFRC segments and presents results from a systematic parametric study evaluating the influence of overburden, lining stiffness and ground conditions on the structural performance of precast SFRC segments. Based on the study, a suite of practical design charts has been developed to delineate the envelopes within which precast SFRC segments satisfy ultimate and serviceability limit state criteria. Selected tunnel projects from Hong Kong and overseas are used to demonstrate the adoption of SFRC segmental linings. The study proposes a practical design framework to support wider adoption of precast SFRC segments in future Hong Kong tunnelling works.

References

Curtis D.J. (1976). Discussions of “The circular tunnel in elastic ground” by Muir Wood (1975). Géotechnique, 26(1), 231-237.

RILEM TC162-TDF (2003): Test and design methods for steel fibre reinforced concrete.

Tiberti, G., Chiriotti, E., & Plizzari, G. (2016). Twenty years of FRC tunnel segments practice: lessons learnt and proposed design principles (ITA Report No16). International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA).

Muir Wood, A.M. (1975). The circular tunnel in elastic ground. Géotechnique, 25(1), 115-127.

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Published

2026-09-17

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2026): Proceedings of The HKIE Geotechnical Division 46th Annual Seminar 2026: Bridging Theory and Practice in Geotechnical Engineering

Section

Articles

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

[1]
T. H. Lee, T. C. Choi, C. O. A. Leung, K. H. Chan, and Z. Y. Li, “Design of SFRC Segmental Tunnel Linings: A Practical Framework for Wider Implementation in Hong Kong”, AIJR Proc., vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 240–252, Sep. 2026, doi: 10.21467/proceedings.8.2.22.