NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECTS OF TBM FACE SUPPORT PRESSURES–A PARAMETRIC STUDY

Authors

  • Khoo Chee-Min Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v87.22595

Keywords:

Numerical simulation, parametric study, shield tunnelling, face support pressure, tunnelling-induced pile responses

Abstract

Shield tunnelling operations, particularly those employing pressurized face tunnel boring machines (TBMs) such as earth pressure balance and slurry shields, are complex processes influenced by various driving parameters. Among these parameters, face support pressure plays a critical role in controlling ground and pile responses induced by tunnelling. This paper presents a numerical investigation on the effects of TBM face support pressures through a parametric study. Using data obtained from full-scale field research and through a validated numerical framework, this study aims to investigate how variations in TBM face support pressures affect pile responses and ground settlement during tunnelling operations. The findings emphasize the necessity of maintaining adequate face support pressures to mitigate excessive ground settlement and pile deformations. Notably, an optimum face support pressure range between 0.8 to 1.1 times the overburden pressure was identified, associated with minimal pile responses and ground settlement. These insights provide valuable guidance for optimizing face support pressure management strategies in shield tunnelling projects.  

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Published

2025-01-24

Issue

Section

Science and Engineering

How to Cite

NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION ON THE EFFECTS OF TBM FACE SUPPORT PRESSURES–A PARAMETRIC STUDY. (2025). Jurnal Teknologi (Sciences & Engineering), 87(2). https://doi.org/10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v87.22595