TBM pressure models: observations, theory and practice

Mechanized tunnelling in soft ground has evolved significantly over the last 20 years. However, the interaction between the tunnel boring machine (TBM) and the ground is often understood through idealized concepts, focused mostly on the machine actions in detriment of the reactions from the ground. These concepts cannot be used to explain several mechanisms that have been observed during the construction of mechanized tunnels. Therefore, this paper presents the path from field observations to the theoretical developments to model the TBM-ground interaction more realistically. Some ideas on how these developments can be applied into practice are presented. Finally, a discussion is proposed about how an effective collaboration between academia and industry can alleviate the current concentration of knowledge in the state of practice

Earth pressure field modeling for tunnel face stability evaluation of EPB shield machines based on optimization solution

Earth pressure balanced (EPB) shield machines are large and complex mechanical systems and have been widely applied to tunnel engineering. Tunnel face stability evaluation is very important for EPB shield machines to avoid ground settlement and guarantee safe construction during the tunneling process. In this paper, we propose a novel earth pressure field modeling approach to evaluate the tunnel face stability of large and complex EPB shield machines. Based on the earth pressures measured by the pressure sensors on the clapboard of the chamber, we construct a triangular mesh model for the earth pressure field in the chamber and estimate the normal vector at each measuring point by using optimization solution and projection Delaunay triangulation, which can reflect the change situation of the earth pressures in real time. Furthermore, we analyze the characteristics of the active and passive earth pressure fields in the limit equilibrium states and give a new evaluation criterion of the tunnel face stability based on Rankine's theory of earth pressure. The method validation and analysis demonstrate that the proposed method is effective for modeling the earth pressure field in the chamber and evaluating the tunnel face stability of EPB shield machines

Designing a Tunnel

Designing a tunnel is always a challenge. For shallow tunnels under cities due to the presence of buildings, bridges, important avenues, antiquities, etc. at the surface and other infrastructures in the vicinity of underground tunnels, parameters like vibrations and ground settlements must be tightly controlled. Urban tunnels are often made in soils with very low values of overburden. Risks of collapse and large deformations at the surface are high; thus negative impact on old buildings are likely to occur if appropriate measures are not taken in advance, when designing and constructing the tunnel. For deep tunnels with high overburden and low rock mass properties, squeezing conditions and excessive loads around the excavation can jeopardize the stability of the tunnel, leading to extensive collapse. The aim of the chapter is to give details on advance computational modelling and analytical methodologies, which can be used in order to design shallow and deep tunnels and to present real case studies from around the world, from very shallow tunnels in India with only 4.5 m overburden to a deep tunnel in Venezuela with extreme squeezing conditions under 1300 m overburden

Coupled Field Equations for Saturated Soils and Its Application to Piezocone Penetration and Shield Tunneling.

An elasto-plastic coupled system of equations are formulated here in order to describe the time-dependent deformation of saturated cohesive soils. Formulation of these equations is based on the principle of virtual work and the theory of mixtures for inelastic porous media as proposed by Prevost (1980) and Kiousis and Voyiadjis (1988). The saturated soil is considered as a mixture consisting of two deformable media, the solid grains and the water. Each medium is regarded as a continuum and follows its own motion. The coupled equations are developed for large deformations with finite strains in an updated Lagrangian reference frame. The coupled behavior of the two phase material is implemented into the finite element program GAP/CTM (Geotechnical Analysis Program based on the Coupled Theory of Mixtures), which is developed by the author. This formulation is applied in the analysis of two geotechnical problems. The piezocone penetration and the shield tunneling in cohesive soils. The piezocone penetration in cohesive soils is numerically simulated and implemented into the finite element program (GAP/CTM). The continuous penetration of the cone is simulated by applying an incremental vertical movement of the cone tip boundary. The numerical simulation is done for two cases. In the first case, the interface friction between the soil and the piezocone penetrometer is neglected. In the second case, interface friction is assumed between the soil and the piezocone. Results obtained from the simulation using the proposed model are compared with those obtained from the miniature piezocone penetration tests (PCPT) for cohesive soil specimens conducted at the LSU calibration chamber. The resulting excess pore pressure distribution and its dissipation using the numerical model are compared with some available predicting methods. A two-dimensional computational model is developed in order to simulate the continuous advance of the Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) Shield during the tunneling process in cohesive soils. This model is implemented into the finite element program (GAP/CTM). The computational model is based on the plane strain transverse-longitudinal sections that can incorporate the three-dimensional deformation of the soil around and ahead of the shield face. The continuous shield advance is modeled using the remeshing technique. This model has been used to analyze the N-2 tunnel project constructed in 1981 in San Francisco, California

The role of foam in improving the workability of sand : insights from DEM

Foam as a soil conditioner can transform the mechanical properties of the excavated natural muck and lubricate the interface between the cutting tools and muck, thus reducing the tools’ wear and promoting the efficiency of earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunneling. This paper aims to explore the meso-mechanism of foam in improving the workability of sand by combining discrete element modeling (DEM) with experimental investigations of slump tests. A “sand-foam” mixture DEM model was generated by simplifying the sand grains and foam as individual particles with different properties. The particle-scale simulated parameters were calibrated based on a series of experimental observations. The effects of foam on the inter-particle contact distribution and the evolution of contact forces during the slumping process were investigated in detail through numerical modeling. It was found that injecting foam into sand specimens could increase the coordination number and the contact number around sand grains. Although the force transmission pattern changes from “sand-sand” into the coexistence of “sand-foam”, “sand-sand” and “foam-foam” contacts, the magnitude of contact forces transferred by foam particles is significantly lower than that by sand particles. The presence of foam reduces contact-scale frictional strength and thus reduces the stability of the microstructures of sand. In addition, the normal direction of inter-particle contact force deflects from the vertical to the horizontal and the magnitude of contact force decreases significantly with the influence of foam

NASA patent abstracts bibliography: A continuing bibliography. Section 1: Abstracts (supplement 37)

Abstracts are provided for 76 patents and patent applications entered into the NASA scientific and technical information systems during the period January 1990 through June 1990. Each entry consists of a citation, an abstract, and in most cases, a key illustration selected from the patent or patent application

Research and technology, 1987

Three broad goals were presented by NASA as a guide to meet the challenges of the future: to advance scientific knowledge of the planet Earth, the solar system, and the universe; to expand human presence beyond the Earth into the solar system; and to strengthen aeronautics research and technology. Near-term and new-generation space transportation and propulsion systems are being analyzed that will assure the nation access to and presence in space. Other key advanced studies include large astronomical observatories, space platforms, scientific and commercial payloads, and systems to enhance operations in Earth orbit. Longer-range studies include systems that would allow humans to explore the Moon and Mars during the next century. Research programs, both to support the many space missions studied or managed by the Center and to advance scientific knowledge in selected areas, involve work in the areas of atmospheric science, earth science, space science (including astrophysics and solar, magnetospheric, and atomic physics), and low-gravity science. Programs and experiment design for flights on the Space Station, free-flying satellites, and the Space Shuttle are being planned. To maintain a leadership position in technology, continued advances in liquid and solid propellant engines, materials and processes; electronic, structural, and thermal investigations; and environmental control are required. Progress during the fiscal year 1987 is discussed

NASA Tech Briefs Index, 1977, volume 2, numbers 1-4

Announcements of new technology derived from the research and development activities of NASA are presented. Abstracts, and indexes for subject, personal author, originating center, and Tech Brief number are presented for 1977