Quantifying Multifactor Effects on Mud Cake Formation Risk for a Tunnel Boring Machine with the Analytical Hierarchy Process

Tunnel boring machines often encounter clogging during excavation in strata with rich clay content. The can damage the cutterhead and interrupt excavation. Cutting tool clogging, also known as mud cake formation, has a strong effect on work efficiency. While current studies are focusing mechanism of engineering practice still heavily relies qualitative empirical judgement. To quantitatively assess risk we carefully selected 22 influential parameters to reflect geological, machinal, operational factors tunneling process established rubric for factor contributions using analytical hierarchy (AHP). results imply liquidity index, plasticity torque, total thrust force contribute around 45% influence while machinal less than geological factors. We verified framework tunnel section from Guangzhou Metro Line that had formation reported. Rings labelled high by our concurred those rings actually observed. Project log parameter variations were incorporated explore connection between treatment.