• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.583-591
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• 2024

To properly simulate the excavation process and evaluate the structural stability of the tunnel, rigorous large deformation analysis method is necessary. This study applies two most widely used numerical approaches capable of modelling and considering the large deformations behavior during excavation process to analyze and evaluate the structural stability of circular tunnel based on tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavation. By comparing and combining the results from two numerical approaches, the deformation of the excavated ground will be analyzed. The stability of the circular tunnel from TBM tunneling was assessed based on the maximum deformation occurred during the excavation process. From the numerical computation it was concluded that although the range of the damage on the ground done during excavation was found to be larger under hard rock condition, maximum deformation within the circular tunnel structure was larger under weak ground conditions and deeper tunnel depths.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.144-155
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• 1994

This research is designed to assess current achievement levels for mechanized excavation systems in Korea adn suggest the model predictive of TBM performance using statistical approaches. A test section in the TBM construction sites is selected to measure and analyze TBM performance. The field records including operating data, time allocation into downtime catagories, and machine design are analyzed on a shift basis. There are a total of 240 shifts, with most days operating two shifts per day. Examples of the probability density functions produced from the test section are presented and discussed. Relationships between TBM penetration rate and rock physical properties are investigated and the empirical equations for TBM performance prediction are also assessed with the field data.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.1-9
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• 2024

Recently, the TBM tunnel construction method has been in the spotlight as tunnel excavation under urban areas such as the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (GTX) has been actively carried out. Although the construction cost of the TBM tunnel is high, it is relatively free from noise and vibration compared to the NATM tunnel method, so it is well known to be a suitable construction method for application to the lower part of urban areas. In particular, when the stratum passes through the shallow section, it can have a great impact on existing upper structures and obstacles, so accurate numerical analysis considering various variables is required when designing the TBM tunnel. Unlike other tunnel construction methods, TBM tunnels build linings by assembling factory-made segments. Unlike NATM tunnels, segment lining has connections between segments, so how to the connection status between segments is reflected can have a significant impact on securing the reliability of analysis results. Therefore, in this paper, a segment joint model(Janssen Model) was applied to the lining for seismic analysis of the TBM tunnel, and the tunnel's behavioral characteristics were analyzed after numerical analysis using nonlinear models according to urban railway seismic design standards.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.117-124
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• 2014

The interest in the use of shield TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) on the tunnel excavation has been increased rapidly in Korea. The shield TBM tunnel is generally designed as non-drainage tunnel. Consequently, if water leakage through the segment joints happens, big problems on the usage and stability of tunnel can be occurred. In this study, the variation of waterproof capacity of hydrophilic waterstop by the construction error and excessive displacement of segment was studied firstly. Secondly, the decrease of durability of hydrophilic waterstop by the sulphate and chloride contained in the groundwater and seawater was investigated. The results showed that if the angle discordance at the segment joints is beyond the 2 degree, the proper waterproof capacity of hydrophilic waterstop can not be guaranteed. In addition, if the hydrophilic rubber waterstop is exposed to the sulphate for a while, the proper durability of hydrophilic waterstop can not be expected.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.93-104
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• 2019

Anomalies and/or fractured grounds not detected by the surface geophysical and geological survey performed during design stage may cause significant problems during tunnel excavation. Many studies on prediction methods of the ground condition ahead of the tunnel face have been conducted and applied in tunneling construction sites, such as tunnel seismic profiling and probe drilling. However, most such applications have focused on the drill and blast tunneling method. Few studies have been conducted for mechanized tunneling because of the limitation in the available space to perform prediction tests. This study aims to predict the ground condition ahead of the tunnel face in TBM tunneling by using an electrical resistivity tomography survey. It compared the characteristics of each electrode array and performed an investigation on in-situ tunnel boring machine TBM construction site environments. Numerical simulations for each electrode array were performed, to determine the proper electrode array to predict anomalies ahead of the tunnel face. The results showed that the modified dipole-dipole array is, compared to other arrays, the best for predicting the location and condition of an anomaly. As the borehole becomes longer, the measured data increase accordingly. Therefore, longer boreholes allow a more accurate prediction of the location and status of anomalies and complex grounds.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.301-310
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• 2022

Accurate prediction of mixed ground conditions ahead of a tunnel face is of vital importance for safe excavation using tunnel boring machines (TBMs). Previous studies have primarily focused on electrical resistivity surveys from the ground surface for geotechnical investigation. In this study, an FE (finite element) numerical model was developed to simulate electrical resistivity surveys for the prediction of risky mixed ground conditions in front of a tunnel face. The proposed FE model is validated by comparing with the apparent electrical resistivity values obtained from the analytical solution corresponding to a vertical fault on the ground surface (i.e., a simplified model). A series of parametric studies was performed with the FE model to analyze the effect of geological and sensor geometric conditions on the electrical resistivity survey. The parametric study revealed that the interface slope between two different ground formations affects the electrical resistivity measurements during TBM excavation. In addition, a large difference in electrical resistivity between two different ground formations represented the dramatic effect of the mixed ground conditions on the electrical resistivity values. The parametric studies of the electrode array showed that the proper selection of the electrode spacing and the location of the electrode array on the tunnel face of TBM is very important. Thus, it is concluded that the developed FE numerical model can successfully predict the presence of a mixed ground zone, which enables optimal management of potential risks.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2002.03a
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• pp.157-164
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• 2002

Based on the results of prototype air-shaft construction, penetration capacity of RBM(Raise Boring Machine) was analyzed and compared with TBM(Tunnel Boring Machine) performance in this study. Utilization, down time, net penetration rate and advance rate were evaluated and compared. By conducting the laboratory tests for rock properties with the analysis of penetration capacity, relation of penetration capacity and geotechnical parameters was studied. The results showed that much more higher value of utilization, however lower value of net penetration rate for RBM was obtained compared to those of TBM. In addition, as the strength of rock penetrated increased, higher value of net penetration rate was obtained contrarily to the results of TBM performance. Finally, new relationship between total hardness and net penetration rate for weak and weathered rock was derived from these results.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2008.03a
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• pp.803-812
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• 2008

Along with the increasing demand for automatic and mechanical tunnel excavation methods in Korea, the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) method of tunnel excavation has become increasingly popular. However, in spite of this rising demand, few studies have been performed on the TBM method, in Korea. For this reason, this study focused on evaluation of the applicability of TBM performance prediction models based on field data in order to contribute to the basic and essential parts of TBM designation and the TBM method of tunnel excavation in Korea. These rock properties can be defined as the mechanical and physical factors of rock that have an influence on a disc cutter's ability to cut rock, and provide information for the evaluation of the applicability of field data. Based on outcomes from these tests, applicability of the prediction model was evaluated and the predicted performance of a TBM was compared with real field data obtained from four different TBM construction sites in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.257-272
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• 2016

It is usually not an easy task to counter-measure on time and appropriately when confronting with troubles in mechanized tunnelling job-sites because of the limitation of available spaces to perform those actions with the existence of disk cutter, cutter head, chamber and other various apparatus in Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). So, it is important to predict the ground condition ahead of a tunnel face during tunnel excavation. Efforts have been made to utilize geophysical methods such as elastic wave survey, electromagnetic wave survey, electrical resistivity survey, etc for predicting the ground condition ahead of the TBM tunnel face. Each prediction method among these geophysical methods has its own advantage and disadvantage. Therefore, it might be needed to apply several geophysical methods rather than just one to predict the ground condition ahead of the tunnel face in the complex and/or mixed grounds since those methods will compensate among others. The problem is that each prediction method will give us different answer on the predicted ground condition; how to combine different solutions into a most reasonable and representative predicted value might be important. Therefore, in this study, we proposed a methodology how to systematically combine each prediction method utilizing probabilistic analysis as well as analytic hierarchy process. The proposed methods is applied to a virtual job site to confirm the applicability of the model to predict the ground condition ahead of the tunnel face in the mechanized tunnelling.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.467-476
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• 2024

This study investigates Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) performance prediction by employing discrete event simulation technique, which is a potential remedy highlighting its stochastic adaptability to the complex nature of TBM tunnelling activities. The new discrete event simulation model using AnyLogic software was developed and validated by comparing its results with actual performance data for Daegok-Sosa railway project that Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM machine was used in Korea. The results showed the successful implementation of predicting TBM performance. However, it necessitates high-quality database establishment including geological formations, machine specifications, and operation settings. Additionally, this paper introduces a novel methodology for daily performance updates during construction, using automated data processing techniques. This approach enables daily updates and predictions for the ongoing projects, offering valuable insights for construction management. Overall, this study underlines the potential of discrete event simulation in predicting TBM performance, its applicability to other tunneling projects, and the importance of continual database expansion for future model enhancements.