Abstract：According to the practical service results of operating metro shield tunnels, it is found that the segment joints are vulnerable locations in tunnel linings, so that the mechanical performance of segment joints directly determines the bearing capacity of segmental tunnel linings. Based on the experimental results of full ring lining structure, full-scale experiments are conducted to investigate the ultimate bearing capacity of the longitudinal joints under different load conditions, in order to achieve the variation laws of deflection of structural components and rotation angle of joints as well as the rotation stiffness. The failure mechanisms of longitudinal segment joints are analyzed and an analytical model for modeling the complete mechanical process of joints is developed. Using the analytical model, the complete mechanical process of longitudinal joints and their ultimate bearing capacities are investigated. Based on the comparison of stress and deformation between the experimental results and the analytical model results, the rationality of the analytical model can be validated.
