• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.154-168
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• 2024

The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) disc cutter is subjected to wear and damage during the rock excavation process, and the worn disc cutter should be replaced on time. The manual inspection by workers is generally required to determine the disc cutter replacement. In this case, the workers are exposed to dangerous environments, and the measurements are sometimes inaccurate. In this study, we developed a technology that measures the disc cutter wear in real time. From a series of laboratory tests, a magnetic sensor was selected as the wear sensor, and the real-time disc cutter measurement system was developed integrating wireless communication modules, power supply and data processing board. In addition, the measurement system was verified in actual TBM excavation circumstances. As a result, it was confirmed that the accuracy and stability of the system.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.135-144
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• 2020

Since the depth of tunneling with tunnel boring machine (TBM) becomes deeper and deeper, the expense for site investigation for coring and geophysical survey increases to obtain the sufficient accuracy. The tunnel ahead prediction methods have been introduced to overcome this limitation in the stage of site investigation. Probe drilling can obtain the core and borehole images from a borehole. However, the space in TBM for the probe drilling equipment is restricted and the core from probe drilling cannot reflect the whole tunnel face. Seismic methods such as tunnel seismic prediction (TSP) can forecast over 100 m ahead from the tunnel face though the signal is usually generated using the explosive which can affect the stability of segments and backfill grout. Electromagnetic methods such as tunnel electrical resistivity prospecting system (TEPS) offer the exact prediction for a conductive zone such as water-bearing zone. However, the number of electrodes installed for exploration is limited in small diameter TBM and finally the reduction of prediction ranges. In this study, the theoretical equations for the electrical resistivity survey whose electrodes are installed in the face and side of TBM to minimize the installed electrodes on face. The experimental tests were conducted to verify the derived equations.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.281-302
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• 2021

Railway projects have been consistently increasing in Korea. In relation to this trend, the mechanized tunneling using Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is preferably applied for mining urban areas and passing under rivers. The TBM tunneling under difficult grounds like mixed faces with high water pressure could require ground improvements for stable TBM advance or safe cutter head intervention (CHI). In this study, pre-grouting works for CHI in Daegok-Sosa railway project are presented in terms of the grouting zone design, the executions and the results, the lessons learned from the experience. It should be mentioned that the grouting from inside TBM was carried out several times and turned out to be inefficient in the project. Therefore, grouting experiences from the surface are highlighted in this study. Jet grouting was implemented on CHI points on land, while permeation grouting off shore in the Han River, which mostly allow to access the cutter head of TBM in free air with stable faces. The results of CHI works have been analyzed and the lesson learned are suggested.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2021

In the design of a tunnel boring machine (TBM), the excavation efficiency of the equipment depends on the design of the cutter head, which is directly in contact with the ground. Especially, the allocation of disc cutter is crucial issue. Disc cutters can be divided into center cutter zone, inner cutter zone and transition cutter zone depending on where they are placed. Many studies have been conducted to identify optimal cutting conditions for face cutters. However, research to determine the optimal cutting conditions for the transition cutter has been relatively incomplete. In this study, to identify the optimal cutting conditions for the transition cutter, numerical analysis using discrete element method was performed, and the specific energy curve according to the angle between the transition cutters was drawn to find out the optimum cutting conditions. The results show that the angle between the transition cutters showing minimum specific energy in the transition cutter zone is 9°. Transition cutter zone was divided into three sections according to the slope angle of the transition cutter. It is also found that, the greater the slope angle of the transition cutter. This finding shows good agreement with the present design of transition cutter zone.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.39-58
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• 2024

Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) use multiple disc cutters to excavate tunnels through rock. These cutters wear out due to continuous contact and friction with the rock, leading to decreased cutting efficiency and reduced excavation performance. The rock's abrasivity significantly affects cutter wear, with highly abrasive rocks causing more wear and reducing the cutter's lifespan. The Cerchar Abrasivity Index (CAI) is a key indicator for assessing rock abrasivity, essential for predicting disc cutter life and performance. This study aims to develop a new method for effectively estimating CAI using rock strength, petrological characteristics, linear regression, and machine learning. A database including CAI, uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, and equivalent quartz content was created, with additional derived variables. Variables for multiple linear regression were selected considering statistical significance and multicollinearity, while machine learning model inputs were chosen based on variable importance. Among the machine learning prediction models, the Gradient Boosting model showed the highest predictive performance. Finally, the predictive performance of the multiple linear regression analysis and the Gradient Boosting model derived in this study were compared with the CAI prediction models of previous studies to validate the results of this research.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.303-314
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• 2024

Recently, the consecutive shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) has gained attention for its potential to enhance TBM penetration rates. However, its development requires a thorough risk assessment due to the unconventional nature of its equipment and hydraulic systems, coupled with the absence of design or construction precedents. This study investigated the causal relationships between four accidents and eight relevant sources associated with the consecutive shield TBM. Subsequently, risk levels were determined based on expert surveys and a risk matrix technique. The findings highlighted significant impacts associated with collapses or surface settlements and the likelihood of causal combinations leading to misalignment. Specifically, this study emphasized the importance of proactive mitigation measures to address collapses or surface settlements caused by inadequate continuous tail void backfill or damaged thrust jacks. Furthermore, it is recommended to develop advanced non-destructive testing technology capable of comprehensive range detection across helical segments, to design a sequential thrust jack propulsion system, and to determine an optimal pedestal angle.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.449-461
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• 2024

The use of tunnel boring machine (TBM), a mechanized excavation method with low noise and vibration and high safety compared to NATM method, has increased globally. In particular, slurry shield TBMs are used in subsea and submarine sections because they have an advantage in high pressure compared to EPB (earth pressure balanced) methods. As such, the used water of slurry shield TBMs is discharged through wastewater treatment facilities. In the case of large-scale TBMs, the amount of water used is enormous, so it should be recycled to reduce costs and protect the environment. Various types of additives are used to improve the performance of the slurry treatment plant (STP) and filter press. Among them, coagulants improve the productivity of the filter press by neutralizing the charges on particles. In this study, lab tests were conducted to evaluate the reusability of the used water through the filter press after flocculants were added.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.533-549
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• 2024

Soil conditioning is a critical process when tunneling with an earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) to enhance performance. To determine the optimal additive injection conditions, it is important to understand the rheological properties of conditioned soil, which is typically assessed using a rheometer. However, a rheometer cannot simulate the actual process of muck discharge in a TBM. Therefore, in this study, a scaled-down model of an 8-meter-class EPB shield TBM chamber and screw conveyor, reduced by a factor of 1:20, was fabricated and its applicability was evaluated through laboratory experiments. A lab-scale model experiment was conducted on artificial sandy soil using foam and polymer as additives. The experimental results confirmed that screw torque was consistent with trends observed in previous laboratory pressurized vane shear test data, establishing a positive proportional relationship between screw torque and yield stress. The muck discharge efficiency according to foam injection ratio (FIR) showed similar values overall, but decreased slightly at 60% of FIR and when the polymer was added. In addition, the pressure distribution generated along the chamber and screw conveyor was assessed in a manner similar to the actual EPB TBM. This study demonstrates that the lab-scale screw conveyor model can be used to evaluate the shear properties and muck discharge efficiency.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2016

When utilizing a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for tunnelling work, unexpected ground conditions can be encountered that are not predicted in the design stage. These include fractured zones or mixed ground conditions that are likely to reduce the stability of TBM excavation, and result in considerable economic losses such as construction delays or increases in costs. Minimizing these potential risks during tunnel construction is therefore a crucial issue in any mechanized tunneling project. This paper proposed the potential risk events that may occur due to risky ground conditions. A resistivity survey is utilized to predict the risky ground conditions ahead of the tunnel face during construction. The potential risk events are then evaluated based on their occurrence probability and impact. A TBM risk management system that can suggest proper solution methods (measures) for potential risk events is also developed. Multi-Criterion Decision Making (MCDM) is utilized to determine the optimal solution method (optimal measure) to handle risk events. Lastly, an actual construction site, at which there was a risk event during Earth Pressure-Balance (EPB) Shield TBM construction, is analyzed to verify the efficacy of the proposed system.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.227-242
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• 2019

This paper presents a method to predict ground types ahead of a tunnel face utilizing operational data of the earth pressure-balanced (EPB) shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) when running through soil ground. The time series analysis model which was applicable to predict the mixed ground composed of soils and rocks was modified to be applicable to soil tunnels. Using the modified model, the feasibility on the choice of the soil conditioning materials dependent upon soil types was studied. To do this, a self-organizing map (SOM) clustering was performed. Firstly, it was confirmed that the ground types should be classified based on the percentage of 35% passing through the #200 sieve. Then, the possibility of predicting the ground types by employing the modified model, in which the TBM operational data were analyzed, was studied. The efficacy of the modified model is demonstrated by its 98% accuracy in predicting ground types ten rings ahead of the tunnel face. Especially, the average prediction accuracy was approximately 93% in areas where ground type variations occur.