TBM selection and performance prediction for shallow tunnels in interbedded sandstones and siltstones

A. Crockford, M. Diederichs

In the proceedings of: GEO2011: 64th Canadian Geotechnical Conference, 14th Pan-American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 5th Pan-American Conference on Teaching and Learning of Geotechnical Engineering

Session: Mining and Rock Mechanics

ABSTRACT: In urban settings it has become fairly commonplace for infrastructure projects to use Tunnel Boring Machines for tunnel construction through both soil and rock. The selection and performance of a tunnel boring machine depends on geomechanical conditions within the proposed tunnel alignment. In interbedded sedimentary rocks, such as sandstones interbedded with clay and siltstones, the conditions at the face and within the walls of the tunnel behind can be highly variable, both along the tunnel and within the same tunnel cross section. Case studies in Calgary, AB are used to highlight the challenges faced and potential for improvements in the methodology.

RÉSUMÉ: Dans les centres urbain, il est devenu assez courant pour les projets d'infrastructure à utiliser le tunneliers mécanique (TBM) pour la construction de tunnels à travers le sol et la roche. La sélection et la performance d'un tunnelier dépend des conditions géomécaniques dans l tunnel proposé. En roches sédimentaires interstratifiés, comme les grès interstratifiés avec de l'argile et de siltstones, les conditions au façade et dans les murs du tunnel peut être très variable, tant le long du tunnel et dans la section du tunnel de la section transversale. Des études de cas à Calgary, AB sont utilisés pour mettre en évidence les défis à relever et les possibilités d'améliorations dans la méthodologie.

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Cite this article:
A. Crockford; M. Diederichs (2011) TBM selection and performance prediction for shallow tunnels in interbedded sandstones and siltstones in GEO2011. Ottawa, Ontario: Canadian Geotechnical Society.

@article{GEO11Paper502,author = A. Crockford; M. Diederichs ,title = TBM selection and performance prediction for shallow tunnels in interbedded sandstones and siltstones,year = 2011}