Advance numerical simulation of tunneling by using a double shield TBM

Double shield TBMs are amongst the most technically sophisticated excavation machines in use by tunneling industry. However, using the shielded machine limits access to the walls for observation of ground conditions and presence of shield makes the machine susceptible to entrapment or seizure in weak rocks under high stresses which results in high convergence. To realistically evaluate the possibility of machine seizure in such grounds, the interaction between the rock mass and shields, lining and backfilling need to be understood. This study explains the application of numerical analysis for 3D simulation of mechanized tunneling by using a double shield TBM. For this purpose, a comprehensive numerical simulation is developed to systematically evaluate the potential of excessive ground convergence. Simulation results at five reference points on the tunnel circumference along the tunnel have been examined. The results are including longitudinal displacement profile (LDP) as well as contact force profiles (LFP) on both front and rear shields, frictional forces and required thrust to move the machine, stress history of ground, and estimated loading of the segments. The results also proved that numerical analyses can successfully be used for prediction of loads on the shield during excavation to assess risks of machine entrapment.