Investigation on Shield-Rock Interaction Under The High-Stress Condition

Mechanized excavation via tunnel boring machines (TBMs) could contribute to significantly reducing construction time and costs. However, problems stemming from extreme geological conditions can cause a variety of issues, such as the potential of TBM jamming. Based on the time-dependent behavior of silty mudstone, the present work focuses on investigating the complex interaction between the surrounding rock and the tunnel machinery. A case study was also discussed that provides a theoretical basis for planning the actual project excavation along the tunnel. Comprehensive theoretical calculation methods are used to determine the radius of the plastic zone, the maximum total thrust of the non-jammed TBM, and the convergent deformation. To avoid jamming the TBM, the rated thrust of the TBM should be greater than the maximum total thrust force experienced by the auxiliary thrust cylinders, and the convergence deformation of surrounding rock should also be less than the expected deformation.