Realistic 3D simulations of the tunnelling process are increasingly required to investigate the interactions between machine-driven tunnel construction and the surrounding soil in order to provide reliable estimates of the expected settlements and associated risks of damage for existing structures, in particular in urban tunnelling projects. To accomplish the step from large-scale computational...

In a novel shield tunneling method, the tunnel lining is produced by an extrusion process with continuous shield advance. A robotic manipulator is used to build the tunnel supporting formwork, consisting of rings of steel segments. As the shield of the tunnel-boring machine advances, concrete is continuously injected in the space between the formwork and the surrounding soil. This technology re...

key factor in the successful application of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) in tunneling is the ability to develop accurate penetration rate estimates for determining project schedule and costs. Thus establishing a relationship between rock properties and TBM penetration rate can be very helpful in estimation of this vital parameter. However, this parameter cannot be simply predicted since there ...