Research on Waterproof Performance of Prefabricated Utility Tunnel with Different Types of Joints

In the waterproof system of prefabricated utility tunnel, rubber gasket is usually used at the joint of adjacent pipes. The waterproofing effect of prefabricated utility tunnel joint is mostly judged by the field water injection test and the practical effect of former project. In this paper, the finite element software ANSYS is used to carry out the finite element simulation for three types of joint waterproofing of prefabricated utility tunnel. Considering the uneven settlement of utility tunnel foundation, the influence of different staggered joint installation spacing on the waterproofing of the joints is analyzed. Thus, suggestions are provided for the selection of utility tunnel joint. For the prefabricated utility tunnel with side+end face and double-side joint waterproof type, the longitudinal distance between socket joints should be constrained within 3mm after the joint is installed. It is suggested that the end face+side joint waterproof type should be used for the collapsible foundation, and the longitudinal displacement of the control socket and socket should be less than 3mm. For non-collapsible and settled foundation, double-end joint waterproof type or side+end joint waterproof type can be selected.