TBM–Block Interaction during TBM Tunneling in Rock Masses: Block Classification and Identification
Publication: International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 17, Issue 5
Abstract
A new block-classification method for tunnel construction using a tunnel-boring machine (TBM) to capture the geometrical and mechanical transformation of rock blocks in the course of TBM excavation is proposed in this paper. The machine–block interaction is interpreted by dividing the joint blocks into blocks influenced by TBM excavation and blocks uninfluenced by TBM excavation. The influenced blocks are categorized further as contacting or noncontacting blocks according to whether they are in contact with the TBM. The contacting blocks include the front block, the corner block, and the rear block, based on the spatial location of blocks with respect to the cutterhead. Different types of blocks have distinct kinematic and mechanical characteristics. The sizes and shapes evolve, and the categories may be changed for rock blocks during excavation. The identification algorithms for influenced blocks and three types of contacting blocks are presented. Finally, a simple example considering a double-shield TBM tunnel excavation is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the new block-classification approach to guide TBM tunneling. The new classification approach will be helpful in evaluating the block removability and the possibility of cutterhead clogging and to shield blockage during tunneling with a TBM.
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Acknowledgments
This research was conducted with funding provided by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, 2014CB046905), the National Science Foundation of China (Grant 41172249), and the State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering (SKLGDUEK1303). The fourth author acknowledges the NSFC Hong Kong and Macao and the overseas scholars’ collaborative research fund for their support (Grant 51428902).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
International Journal of Geomechanics
Volume 17 • Issue 5 • May 2017
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 10, 2015
Accepted: Nov 24, 2015
Published online: Feb 8, 2016
Discussion open until: Jul 8, 2016
Published in print: May 1, 2017
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