Abstract: The bell and spigot joint is the common structure form of the utility tunnel joint， and its mechanical properties and failure modes are very important for engineering design and construction. First， a numerical model for soil and underground utility tunnel was established by using nonlinear finite element software ABAQUS; then， the utility tunnel was divided into physical unit elements and the stress distribution and the deformation law of the soil and the utility tunnel were studied by extracting the deformation amount and the stress value of the nodes at the joint; finally， the ductility coefficient and the cracking load of the utility tunnel were calculated. Through numerical simulation and theoretical calculation， the potential safety hazards and damage patterns of the joints in the tube gallery were obtained to provide some theoretical references for waterproofing and uneven settlement control.

Key words: utility tunnel, joint position, stress concentration, structure deformation, failure mode