The Interaction Between Shield,Ground and Tunnel Support in TBM Tunnelling Through Squeezing Ground

When planning a TBM drive in squeezing ground, the tunnelling engineer faces a complex problem involving a number of conflicting factors. In this respect, numerical analyses represent a helpful decision aid as they provide a quantitative assessment of the effects of key parameters. The present paper investigates the interaction between the shield, ground and tunnel support by means of computational analysis. Emphasis is placed on the boundary condition, which is applied to model the interface between the ground and the shield or tunnel support. The paper also discusses two cases, which illustrate different methodical approaches applied to the assessment of a TBM drive in squeezing ground. The first case history—the Uluabat Tunnel (Turkey)—mainly involves the investigation of TBM design measures aimed at reducing the risk of shield jamming. The second case history—the Faido Section of the Gotthard Base Tunnel (Switzerland)—deals with different types of tunnel support installed behind a gripper TBM.     

Sheared shale response to deep TBM excavation

Phien-wej, N. and Cording, E.J., 1991. Sheared shale response to deep TBM excavation. Eng. Geol., 30: 371–391.

Ravelling and squeezing of sheared shale of Stillwater Tunnel caused severe problems in tunneling with a tunnel boring machine (TBM) that led to termination of the contract. The tunnel was finally holed through with two TBM's specially designed for squeezing ground. Although the shale mass in all geological conditions exhibited time-dependent response, significant squeezing was confined to sheared shale with large amounts of clay gouge infill, wherein creep of the clay gouge was the prime mechanism controlling the ground response. However, when the tunnel face was advanced at a slow rate, the observed ground squeezing in the early period was largely induced by the effect of stress change from face advance, not the creep. Ground ravelling was very significant in sheared shale due to the high degree of fissuring and fracturing of this thinly bedded shale. Failure of the first TBM resulted mainly from the incompatibility of the shield design with the sheared shale. The shield was too long and stiff and had variable diameters. Extensive observation and instrumentation programs of the project provided valuable information on rapid mechanized tunneling in heavy ground.     

A Completely 3D Model for the Simulation of Mechanized Tunnel Excavation

For long deep tunnels as currently under construction through the Alps, mechanized excavation using tunnel boring machines (TBMs) contributes significantly to savings in construction time and costs. Questions are, however, posed due to the severe ground conditions which are in cases anticipated or encountered along the main tunnel alignment. A major geological hazard is the squeezing of weak rocks, but also brittle failure can represent a significant problem. For the design of mechanized tunnelling in such conditions, the complex interaction between the rock mass, the tunnel machine, its system components, and the tunnel support need to be analysed in detail and this can be carried out by three-dimensional (3D) models including all these components. However, the state-of-the-art shows that very few fully 3D models for mechanical deep tunnel excavation in rock have been developed so far. A completely three-dimensional simulator of mechanised tunnel excavation is presented in this paper. The TBM of reference is a technologically advanced double shield TBM designed to cope with both conditions. Design analyses with reference to spalling hazard along the Brenner and squeezing along the Lyon–Turin Base Tunnel are discussed.     

挤压地层双护盾TBM围岩变形及应力场特征研究

为研究挤压地层双护盾隧道掘进机（TBM）作用下围岩变形及应力场特征,采用FLAC3D建立了完整模型,并详细阐述了隧道掘进机（TBM）施工过程中的模拟方法,重点分析了隧洞纵横断面内围岩位移场、应力场、塑性区特征。模拟结果表明,两腰下部范围内的围岩与TBM护盾发生接触并产生挤压,拱顶并未接触;受刀盘与护盾连接处的尺寸高差和前后护盾的锥度影响导致仰拱围岩内出现3次加卸载,仰拱内部环向应力和径向应力均大于拱顶和两腰,而且其主应力方向与径向线斜交,受扰动剧烈,但仰拱下方70°范围内的围岩基本处于弹性状态;横向断面内围岩塑性区自上而下逐渐减小,且距掌子面越远塑性区范围越大,但后盾塑性区范围变化不大。     

A case history of Tunnel Boring Machine jamming in an inter-layer shear zone at the Yellow River Diversion Project in China

This is a case study of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) jamming in a section of the Connection Works No. 7 tunnel of the Yellow River Diversion Project (YRDP) in China. Analysis of tunnel lithology, rock convergence by shearing, rock strength and ground stress, indicates that a high rate of convergence within an inter-layer shear zone in the lower part of an anticline was a dominant factor in the jamming. In addition, the shield encountered unfavorable tunnelling conditions in the form of wet clay, groundwater inflow, and cavities, coincident with tensile stresses in the lower part of an adjacent syncline. Based on these diagnoses, economical and quick measures were adopted, including additional excavation outside of the shield leaving free space to release the TBM. After 9 days of being jammed, the TBM was totally released and resumed normal excavation. This example highlights lessons learned from folding and inter-layer shear zone in TBM tunnelling.     

Comparison of Squeezing Prediction Methods: A Case Study on Nowsoud Tunnel

According to the International Society of Rock Mechanics, squeezing is a time dependent large deformation occurring during tunnel construction around the tunnel associated with creep caused by exceeding a limiting shear stress (Barla in ISRM News J 2:44–49, 1995). This research is conducted using a case study on the Nowsoud Tunnel, Iran. Being 14 km in length and 4.5 m in diameter, the tunnel is located in the western part of Iran near the Iraq border. Nowsoud tunnel, which was excavated using a double shield TBM, exhibited severe squeezing (with 8919 m) in its critical zone which resulted in excavation termination. In this research, the best approach for predicting squeezing among the recommended methods for reducing the damages caused by squeezing on TBM was determined. In this regard, approaches commonly used to predict squeezing are empirical, semi-empirical, and theoretical–analytical methods. Besides, these methods, numerical modeling is used to estimate convergence generated along the tunnel pathways, which is ultimately used to categorize squeezing. This paper compares squeezing prediction methods in 68 section of Nowsoud Tunnel. These 68 sections indicate that the empirical methods propose a general estimation/overview of squeezing. Among the semi-analytical approaches, the one proposed by Hoek and Marinos (Rock engineering in difficult rock conditions—soft rocks and karst, Taylor & Francis Group, London, pp 49–60, 2000) are compatible with the occurrence of squeezing in the critical zone. However, the degree of predicted squeezing is less than the real degree of squeezing in this zone. Based on the result of Aydan approach, 75 % of the tunnel sections are under squeezing condition. Theoretical–analytical approaches underestimate the possibility of squeezing in the critical zone. Barla?s approach (1995) demonstrated the possibility of squeezing in the critical zone with low intensity. The numerical computations in this paper were performed using Plaxis (version 8.5), a two-dimensional numerical program based on the finite element method. Plaxis results, classified by Hoek and Marinos (2000) method, show that 8800 m of the tunnel length is under the non-squeezing condition. According to all prediction methods, the squeezing zones depend on faulted zones, argillaceous limestone and shale formations such as J₁Kh, J₄Kh, J₅Kh, and Kgr. These formations were identified with a high quantity of shale and argillaceous limestone. Bedding of these geological formations is thin and their geotechnical properties are weaker than those of limestone formations. On the other hand, non-squeezing zones depend on limestone formations such as J₂Kh, J₃Kh, J₆Kh, K^abg, and Kbg. Moreover, all approaches predicted squeezing potential for the critical zone where TBM is jammed.     

随机介质理论在盾构法隧道纵向地表沉降预测中的应用

将盾构法施工隧道开挖引起的地表下沉以及盾构挤压引起的地表隆起均视为一随机过程,应用随机介质理论,对隧道施工所引起的纵向地表沉降进行了分析,推导出了相应的计算公式。工程实例分析表明,该方法效果良好,具有一定的实用价值。     

富含生物成因气体地层盾构掘进克泥效的密封阻隔效应研究

富含生物成因气体地层盾构隧道施工风险高,气体极易通过开挖舱、泥浆管、盾尾间隙和管片节间渗入盾构和隧道内部,引发燃爆事故威胁施工安全。为了密封阻隔生物成因气体的泄漏通道,克泥效被用于填充中盾和洞壁之间的开挖间隙。本研究针对盾构掘进过程中生物成因气体的密封阻隔问题,提出了一种克泥效密封阻隔生物成因气体试验装置与方法,研究了克泥效注入厚度与气体击穿时间的相关关系,揭示了生物成因气体在克泥效中的渗透扩散机制,并依托苏通GIL综合管廊工程验证了克泥效密封阻隔生物成因气体的作用效果。研究结果表明:气体击穿时间随克泥效注入厚度的增加近似线性增长;当克泥效注入厚度为30 mm时,平均击穿时间为51.5 min,超过单环管片拼装所需最长时间50 min,满足苏通GIL综合管廊工程施工需求。现场气体监测结果表明,相较于注入克泥效填充开挖间隙之前,注入克泥效后CH₄和CO浓度均在允许范围内,克泥效有效阻隔了生物成因气体进入盾构隧道内部。相关研究结果可为类似工程地质条件下生物成因气体防治提供理论依据和技术支撑。     

位移释放率对双护盾TBM护盾压力的影响研究

为了研究隧洞纵向位移（LDP）释放率对双护盾隧洞掘进机（TBM）围岩变形及护盾压力的影响,在FLAC3D中采用应力释放法对LDP曲线实现了较好的控制,并指出采用计算时间步控制的缺陷,在考虑护盾与围岩之间不均匀间隙情况下,详细分析了应力释放率对TBM掘进中围岩LDP曲线变化规律、护盾所受挤压力及围岩塑性区的影响。得出了以下结论：（1）不同岩体力学参数下,LDP曲线受应力释放率的敏感程度不同;（2）随着应力释放率的逐渐增加,围岩LDP曲线特征及与TBM护盾相互接触的部位有所不同,TBM护盾接触挤压力和所受摩擦阻力逐渐增大;（3）护盾外围塑性区的形状与应力释放率和护盾与围岩之间的不均匀间隙有关,当在较大的应力释放率下,塑性区呈现自上而下逐渐减小的特征。     

A discrete numerical approach for modeling face stability in slurry shield tunnelling in soft soils

In this paper, a numerical simulation method for evaluating tunnelling-induced ground movement is presented. The method involves discrete element simulation of TBM slurry shield advancement and considers explicitly soil excavation from the face, effects of varying face support pressure, and the influence of tunnel cover depth. For the cases studied, it is found that for tunnel cover depths (C/D) between 0.7 and 2.1, ground deformations inducing by the tunnelling can be controlled within a certain extent and tunnel face stability can ensured, provided the support pressure ratio (N) lies between 0.8 and 1.5. The proposed method is reasonably benefited to modeling the face stability in shield-driven tunnels in soft soils.     

软土地层TBM开挖面支护压力计算模型及可视化

隧道掘进机（TBM）近年来在世界范围内得到了广泛应用,通常通过完全充满压力仓的泥土或泥浆来支护开挖面。但在较差的地层和水力条件下,开挖面失稳时有发生。事实上,TBM开挖面的支护压力的大小直接决定了施工安全及地表变形。基于所建立的开挖面支护压力计算模型,并考虑复合地层下土体分层带来的影响,通过计算机编程方法,建立了界面友好、使用便捷的开挖面支护压力可视化计算平台(TBM Studio);并结合阿拉斯加隧道、钱江隧道工程实例进行了不同模型结果的验证分析,给出了各模型计算结果的差异性;讨论了软土复合地层条件下,土体自稳性对开挖面稳定的影响,认为软土地层中定量确定有效支护压力和水头高度至关重要,研究为正确评价TBM开挖面稳定性提供了相应的计算模型。     

复杂地层水下盾构隧道工程难点及关键技术研究与展望

国家经济一体化需求推动了城市交通网络的蓬勃发展,众多水下盾构隧道工程应运而生。特别是进入21世纪以来,一系列长距离越江跨海隧道的建成和投运标志着我国水下盾构施工成套关键技术取得了显著进步。为促进复杂困难地层盾构掘进技术发展,推动越江跨海隧道施工效率提升,本文以近年来已建和在建的代表性大型水下隧道工程为研究对象,从隧道地质环境、盾构施工技术、工程项目管理等多个角度出发,概述了南京长江隧道、济南黄河隧道、南京地铁10号线越江隧道、苏通GIL综合管廊工程、厦门地铁2号线海底隧道等长距离高水压盾构隧道的工程问题和技术难点,梳理了高磨蚀性砂卵石地层、高黏粒粉质黏土地层、高水压强渗透性地层、江底富含沼气地层、海域密集孤石群地层等复杂地质条件下的水下隧道施工成套关键技术,分析了越江跨海隧道工程地质环境复杂化、盾构设备多样化、掘进施工智能化的未来发展趋势。相关研究成果可为后续复杂地质条件下水下盾构隧道工程的勘察、设计、施工等提供理论依据和技术支撑。     

基于模糊综合评判的护盾式TBM施工围岩稳定性分类

针对传统分类方法难以对围岩稳定性进行评价的问题,以护盾式全断面隧掘进机（TBM）施工隧洞的围岩稳定性评价为目标,在研究护盾式TBM施工特点的基础上,参照国内、外常用的围岩分类方法,选择了岩石的回弹值、刀盘推力、刀盘扭矩、片状岩渣含量、地下水渗流量和最大主应力与洞轴线的夹角作为围岩稳定性评判因素。采用模糊综合评判方法,建立围岩稳定性多因素评判模型,通过确定评判因素的权重向量选取隶属函数,进而对围岩稳定性进行定量评判,并将之应用到某工程双护盾TBM施工的围岩稳定性评判中。结果表明：序号1、2、3和4洞段对应的较稳定、较稳定、局部稳定性差和不稳定的最大隶属度分别为0.494、0.403、0.388、0.442,分别对应Ⅱ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ类围岩;模糊综合评判方法合理,评判结果较为可靠。研究成果对护盾式TBM施工的围岩稳定性评价、围岩分类及支护方式选择等具有参考价值。     

Analysis of Unit Supporting Time and Support Installation Time for Open TBMs

Estimation of advance rate and utilization of tunnel boring machines (TBM) are some of the important steps in planning a TBM tunneling project. Estimation of the utilization factor depends on realistic analysis of downtime components. Among the different parameters influencing TBM downtime, tunnel support is the most influential factor, which can take up to 50% of the total excavation time in some cases. Although, there are some rock mass classification systems specifically developed to link ground conditions with the type and amount of support installed in TBM tunneling, the related downtime for support installation has not been studied in detail. Unit supporting time (UST) is the time required for the installation of ground support per unit length of tunnel. Support installation time (SIT) is the time required for installation of a single ground support element. In this paper, approximate ranges of UST and SIT are discussed and analyzed on the basis of recorded ground SIT from a number of TBM tunneling projects. The primary goal of this paper is to link UST with rock mass classifications that have been specifically developed to assess ground support requirements for different tunnel sections using open-type TBM. An accurate estimate of UST and SIT allows for realistic determination of the related downtime and TBM utilization rate.     

TBM Performance Analysis in Pyroclastic Rocks: A Case History of Karaj Water Conveyance Tunnel

Karaj Water Conveyance Tunnel (KWCT) is 30-km long and has been designed for transferring 16 m³/s of water from Amir-Kabir dam to northwest of Tehran. Lot No. 1 of this long tunnel, with a length of 16 km, is under construction with a double shield TBM and currently about 8.7 km of the tunnel has been excavated/lined. This paper will offer an overview of the project, concentrating on the TBM operation and will review the results of field performance of the machine. In addition to analysis of the available data including geological and geotechnical information and machine operational parameters, actual penetration and advance rates will be compared to the estimated machine performance using prediction models, such as CSM, NTNU and Q_TBM. Also, results of analysis to correlate TBM performance parameters to rock mass characteristics will be discussed. This involves statistical analysis of the available data to develop new empirical methods. The preliminary results of this study revealed that the available prediction models need some corrections or modifications to produce a more accurate prediction in geological conditions of this particular project.     

粉质黏土地层超大直径泥水盾构隧道地表变形与施工参数相关关系研究

本文以粉质黏土地层超大直径泥水盾构隧道为工程背景,分析了地表变形特征随盾构掘进参数的变化规律。并针对粉质黏土地层隧道施工监测数据进行分析,提出了超大直径泥水盾构下穿建构筑物的施工关键控制参数。研究结果表明:不同施工参数对地表变形的影响存在显著差异,注浆量相对最大,刀盘扭矩和贯入度相对次之,刀盘推力、泥水压力、注浆压力和掘进速度相对最小。注浆量对地表变形的影响随隧道埋深的变化而变化,当隧道埋深小于一倍洞径时,注浆量对地表变形影响相对较大;当隧道埋深大于一倍洞径时,注浆量对地表变形影响相对较小。刀盘推力与泥水压力、注浆压力以及水土压力之间存在较好的相关关系。当泥水压力比水土压力约大0.1 MPa,注浆压力比水土压力约大0.3MPa时,盾构下穿建构筑物造成的地表变形相对较小,盾构地质适应性得以显著优化。相关研究成果可为后续粉质黏土地层超大直径盾构隧道地表变形分析和施工参数优化等提供理论依据和技术支撑。     

全断面隧道掘进机护盾受力监测及卡机预警

全断面隧道掘进机(简称TBM)在穿越深部软弱地层时围岩收敛变形较大,围岩容易挤压护盾,导致TBM卡机,影响TBM正常掘进。通过分析TBM卡机灾害孕育过程,得到了预测TBM卡机的重要条件：一是围岩变形量大于预留的空间,二是额定推力不能克服摩擦阻力。为了监测实际工程TBM卡机状态,提出了一种监测护盾变形的方案以及护盾受力的计算方法,可通过监测得到的变形估算护盾的受力,进而计算出护盾受到的摩擦阻力,得到TBM卡机的状态。根据TBM受到的摩擦阻力、TBM正常掘进时所需推力和TBM额定推力之间的关系,将TBM卡机状态分为4个等级,即无卡机、轻微卡机、卡机和严重卡机,并提出了对应的处理措施。结合TBM卡机条件以及护盾受力监测方案,提出了TBM卡机灾害预警流程。在兰州水源地输水隧洞工程中应用了该监测方案和卡机灾害预警流程,应用结果表明,预测的卡机状态与TBM实际状态基本一致,说明该方法具有一定的可靠性,对指导TBM隧道施工具有重要意义。     

苏通GIL综合管廊工程泥水盾构穿越致密复合砂层磨蚀性预测分析

高磨蚀性致密砂层中盾构刀具磨损严重制约施工效率。为准确预测大直径泥水盾构刮刀的磨损量与削掘距离寿命,本文采用隧道断面面积统计分析法和分段体积统计分析法对苏通GIL综合管廊工程DK0+~DK1+780段隧道所穿越的密实复合砂层进行统计分析。结合典型断面各地层面积权重,分段各地层体积权重及单一地层磨耗系数K得到了隧道穿越密实复合砂层各典型截面和分段上加权平均磨耗系数K'及其变化规律。根据加权平均磨耗系数K'及相应刀具磨损模型,对大直径泥水盾构在密实复合砂层中刀具磨损量及削掘距离寿命进行预测。并将预测结果与类似工程地质条件下南京长江隧道大直径泥水盾构实际施工过程中刀具磨损量及削掘距离寿命进行比较。研究结果表明:加权平均磨耗系数K'随掘进里程增加整体呈逐渐增大趋势,在1778m处取得最大值K'_max=18.36×10-3mm·km-1;刀具最严重磨损发生在安装直径D=12.07m处。取限定磨损量δ=5mm,对应的削掘距离寿命分别为L₁=1063m和L₂=453m,因此需要进行两次刀具更换。与南京长江隧道泥水盾构刀具实际磨损情况的对比表明预测结果具有较高的可靠性。该研究成果为苏通GIL综合管廊工程及类似地层条件下越江隧道盾构刀具磨损预测及更换提供了一定的理论依据。     

深埋隧洞极强岩爆段隧道掘进机半导洞掘进岩爆风险研究

深埋隧洞TBM（隧道掘进机）全断面掘进时,在局部超高应力集中的完整硬脆性岩体洞段将直面极强岩爆的风险,设备和人员的安全将遭受极大的威胁。在锦屏II水电站3#引水隧洞极强岩爆段实施了“先半导洞+TBM联合掘进”实验,结合微震实时监测信息对TBM半导洞掘进的岩爆风险开展了研究。监测结果表明,（1）TBM半导洞掘进期间,日平均微震事件数、日平均辐射微震能、微震大事件数及实际岩爆发生次数和强度均远远低于TBM全断面掘进;（2）能量指数对数值和累积视体积的时域演化表明,TBM半导洞掘进强烈岩爆发生的风险远低于TBM全断面掘进,现场实际开挖也证明了这一点;（3）半导洞洞段微震事件的空间集结程度、总数、震级大小与能量辐射均远小于全断面洞段。因此,TBM半导洞掘进的岩爆风险远远低于TBM全断面掘进,在具有施工条件的情况下采用先半导洞预处理,然后TBM半断面掘进极强岩爆段,以期控制岩爆风险的方案是可行的。     

双护盾TBM施工隧洞综合超前地质预报方法研究

由于受护盾、管片及电磁干扰的影响,地质素描、炸药激振地震法、电磁法等超前地质预报方法在双护盾TBM施工中无法使用。根据双护盾TBM技术特点,以CCS水电站引水隧洞为工程背景,提出了以地质分析法、物探法、和超前钻探等为主的综合超前地质预报方法。综合超前地质预报采用"由粗到细、点面结合"的原则。地质分析法包括隧洞沿线地质分析、施工地质观察、岩渣及掘进参数分析等,不占用TBM掘进时间,成本低,可全洞段采用。物探法包括ISIS地震法和BEAM电法。物探法和超前钻探占用TBM掘进时间,且预报成本较高。因此,应根据预报精度、预报成本及是否占用掘进时间综合权衡后,确定采用何种预报方法。基于综合超前地质预报结果,针对不良地质条件,提出了相应的处理措施。研究结果表明,综合超前地质方法符合双护盾TBM施工特点,能有效识别掌子面前方的不良地质条件,同时可为工程应对措施提供基础支撑,从而有效避免或降低不良地质条件的影响。