Paper contribution

Influence of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on the Behaviour of Fibre-Reinforced Shotcrete

M Naveen; Ankesh Kumar

Proceedings
EUROCK 2026
Pages
995-1000
Submitted
28 January 2026
Accepted
15 June 2026
Published
12 August 2026

Summary

Abstract

The freeze-thaw (FT) phenomenon substantially influences the mechanical performance and long-term durability of tunnels constructed in cold regions. Repeated FT cycles cause the progressive degradation of the shotcrete lining, leading to reduced stiffness, the development of microcracks, and the expansion of the damaged zone around the tunnel periphery. This degradation reduces load-bearing capacity and compromises the structural integrity of tunnels underscoring the need to understand the impact of FT induced deterioration on tunnel support systems. In this study, a comprehensive numerical analysis was carried out to analyse the influence of FT degradation on the performance of fibre-reinforced shotcrete (FRS) tunnel linings. A detailed parametric investigation was conducted to examine the behaviour of shotcrete with varying fibre dosages under different in-situ stress conditions. The analysis focused on deformation patterns, stress redistribution, and the evolution of the damaged zone around the tunnel. The results show that FT cycles reduce the stiffness and bond integrity of the shotcrete lining, causing increase in deformation and more severe damaged zone. However, addition of steel fibre reduces the extent of degradation and damage to the tunnel linings. Overall, the findings highlight the critical role of fibre reinforcement and optimized shotcrete design in ensuring long-term tunnel stability in cold climatic conditions.

Contributors

Authors

  1. M Naveen Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, India
  2. Ankesh Kumar Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad, India

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References

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