Utilizing rock mass properties for predicting TBM performance in hard rock condition

The key parameters on the estimation of tunnel-boring machine (TBM) performance are rock strength, toughness, discontinuity in rock mass, type of TBM and its specifications. The aim of this study is to both assess the influence of rock mass properties on TBM performance and construct a new empirical equation for estimation of the TBM performance. To achieve this aim, the database composed of actual measured TBM penetration rate and rock properties (i.e., uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, rock brittleness/toughness, distance between planes of weakness, and orientation of discontinuities in rock mass) were established using the data collected from one hard rock TBM tunnel (the Queens Water Tunnel # 3, Stage 2) about 7.5 km long, New York City, USA. Intact rock properties were obtained from laboratory studies conducted at the Earth Mechanics Institute (EMI) in the Colorado School of Mines, CO, USA. Based on generated database, the statistical analyses were performed between available rock properties and measured TBM data in the field. The result revealed that rock mass properties have strong affect on TBM performance. It is concluded that TBM performance could be estimated as a function of rock properties utilizing new equation (r = 0.82).

[1]  W. Goldsmith,et al.  A force-indentation model for brittle rocks , 1989 .

[2]  C. Baskerville,et al.  The separation of the Hartland Formation and Ravenswood Granodiorite from the Fordham Gneiss at Cameron's Line in the New York City area , 1989 .

[3]  Arne Lislerud,et al.  Hard rock tunnel boring: Prognosis and costs , 1988 .

[4]  I Mcfeat-Smith,et al.  ROCK PROPERTY TESTING FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF TUNNELLING MACHINE PERFORMANCE , 1977 .

[5]  P J Tarkoy,et al.  Rock Hardness Index Properties and Geotechnical Parameters for Predicting Tunnel Boring Machine Performance , 1975 .

[6]  G. L. Dollinger,et al.  Use of the punch test for estimating TBM performance , 1998 .

[7]  N. Innaurato,et al.  POWER CONSUMPTION AND METAL WEAR IN TUNNEL-BORING MACHINES: ANALYSIS OF TUNNEL-BORING OPERATION IN HARD ROCK , 1983 .

[8]  H. P. Sanio,et al.  Prediction of the performance of disc cutters in anisotropic rock , 1985 .

[9]  F. Kulhawy,et al.  A comparative evaluation of rock strength measures , 1984 .

[10]  F. F. Roxborough,et al.  Rock excavation by disc cutter , 1976 .

[11]  Candan Gokceoglu,et al.  Draft ISRM suggested method for determining block punch strength index (BPI) , 2001 .

[12]  T. Szwedzicki,et al.  Draft ISRM Suggested Method for Determining the Indentation Hardness Index of Rock Materials , 1998 .

[13]  Charles Merguerian,et al.  Tectonic significance of Cameron's Line in the vicinity of the Hodges Complex; an imbricate thrust model for western Connecticut , 1983 .

[14]  We Bamford,et al.  Rock Test Indices are Being Successfully Correlated with Tunnel Boring Machine Performance , 1984 .

[15]  T. Szwedzicki,et al.  International society for rock mechanics commission on testing methods : Draft ISRM suggested methods for determining the indentation hardness index of rock materials , 1998 .

[16]  J. R. Berndt,et al.  Correlation of model tunnel boring and drilling machine performances with rock properties , 1986 .

[17]  Saffet Yagiz,et al.  TBM performance prediction based on rock properties , 2006 .