A Machine Learning Approach to Predicting and Maximizing Penetration Rates in Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machines

Modern tunneling projects will often rely on a Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) rather than traditional drill and blast (D&B) methods, because of TBMs’ increased tunneling efficiency[1]. TBMs have a circular drill at the front, which can range in diameter from 1 meter to 19.25 meters, depending on the desired use for the completed tunnel. Applications of tunnels dug by TBMs range from underground water and sewer conduits to subway lines and double-decker, 3-lane wide highways. Most TBM contractors monitor the performance of their TBMs with sensors that send data back to a central data collection system. 200-400 sensor readings are collected every 10 seconds on tunneling projects that can last over a year [2].