Abstract: Joints lead to uneven distribution of structural rigidity of the precast prestressed municipal tunnel(PPMT)， internal forces and deformation correspondingly change，and bending stiffness is an important indicator to evaluate the performance of PPMT joints and an important factor to evaluate the overall mechanical properties of PPMT structures. After considering the actual structural form of the transverse joint section and the characteristics of force deformation， the mechanical model that can characterize the joint section from force to failure and the corresponding analytical expressions were established through the internal force balance and deformation coordination conditions. The sensitivity analysis of the factors affecting the bending stiffness of joints was carried out through numerical simulations. Based on this， the theoretical calculation results were compared with the numerical simulations. Finally， according to the obtained law of bending stiffness change， two-stage bending stiffness method for transverse joints of PPMT was proposed. The results of the study can provide reference for the design and theoretical analysis of PPMT.

Key words: precast prestressed municipal tunnel(PPMT), transverse joint, high-strength bolts, bending mechanical model