Numerical simulation for surface settlement considering face vibration of TBM tunnelling in mixed-face condition

ABSTRACT: In this paper, the surface settlement resulted from the shallow TBM tunnelling has been numerically simulated. TBM tunnelling is especially used in urban area to avoid serious vibration and noise caused by explosion in NATM. Surface settlement is one of the most important problems encountered in all t unnelling and cr itical in urban areas. In this st udy, face vibration of TBM excavation is considered to estimate surface settlement trend according to TBM extrusion. The dynamic excavation forces are calculated by total torque on the TBM cutterhead in mixed-face of soil and weathered rock condition with shallow depth. A 3-dimensional FDM code is employed to simulate TBM tunnelling and mechanical-dynamic coupling analysis is performed. The 3D numerical analysis results showed that dynamic settlement histories and trend of surface settlement successfully. The maximum settlement occurred at the excavation point located at 2.5D behind the face, and the effect of face vibration on the surface settlement was verified in this study.