EFFECTS OF FOAM SOIL CONDITIONING ON EPBM PERFORMANCE

The paper discusses effects of the use and performance of an earth pressure balance machine (EPBM) in various ground types. Some of the benefits anticipated include: improved soil consistency; reduced balling and sticking of clays; improved cohesion of granular materials; and, greater control of earth pressures in the tunnel chamber. The paper also presents some preliminary results of the experimental laboratory work.