Prefabrication technology for underground metro station structure

Serious social and environmental issues associated with large-scale metro construction such as long construction periods, considerable environmental effects, large resources consumption, and labour force shortage were overcome using fully prefabricated technology for the construction of metro station structures; this technology was first researched and developed in Changchun, China. Thus far, six prefabricated metro stations on Changchun Metro in China have been constructed using this new technology, and it is expected to be applied and to gain popularity in other cities. This paper provides a comprehensive introduction to the main research and contributions of this new prefabrication technology. The paper covers mechanical properties of the newly developed “grouted mortise-tenon joint”, the first static and dynamic research on the mechanical behaviour of prefabricated structure system, mechanical characteristics of the newly proposed lightweight closed-cavity thin-walled components, and waterproofing technology of prefabricated structures. Further, the paper also discusses the application of these research achievements. In addition, the technical, economic, and social benefits achieved using this technology are examined. The research and development of this technology for constructing metro stations is of great significance in promoting prefabricated technology in the field of underground structures.