Development of mechanical properties of concrete in vacuum tunnel of vacuum-based maglev train

Abstract

The vacuum-based maglev train is an emerging transportation system currently under development worldwide. While concrete is a technically viable material for constructing vacuum tunnels, its mechanical performance in this unique environment remains unclear. This paper investigates the behavior of concrete in vacuum using a large customized vacuum tube. The results show that concrete undergoes significant water loss in vacuum, resulting in impeded cement hydration and porous hydration products with a foam structure. Vacuum exposure during the early ages of concrete has negative effects on mechanical properties. However, once the cement hydration reaches a high level of maturity, further vacuum exposure has little influence. Compared with atmospheric conditions, the shrinkage of concrete in vacuum is significantly increased. These findings provide a valuable experimental database and new insights for the use of concrete in vacuum-based maglev trains.