NTL Record

Title Tunnel Boring Machine Performance Study. Final Report
Record ID 49759
Personal Name
Creator
Nelson, P. N.; O'Rourke, T. D.; Flanagan, R. F.; Kulhawy, F. H.; Ingraffea, A. R
Source 448p. in various pagings
Corporate Creator Goldberg-Zoino & Associates
Corporate
Contributor
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.); United States. Urban Mass Transportation Administration
Publisher United States. Urban Mass Transportation Administration
Publication Date 19840601
Language English
Abstract Full face tunnel boring machine "TBM" performance during the excavation of 6 tunnels in sedimentary rock is considered in terms of utilization, penetration rates and cutter wear. The construction records are analyzed and the results are used to investigate 21 downtime classes. Recommendations are made for modifications in excavation system design. Correlations between rock index properties and penetration rates are achieved when maximum TBM thrust and torque are developed. It is shown that the predicting capabilities of index tests are significantly improved when the penetration rate is normalized with respect to thrust. The interrelationship of penetration thrust and rolling forces is analyzed with a 3-dimensional model which provides a rational basis for explaining variations in cutter forces and penetration rates as a function of rock type. Rock abrasiveness is shown to be a useful parameter to predict rates of cutter abrasion wear. A fracture mechanics approach to the process of the cutting tool-chip formation is proposed as an empirical prediction of TBM performance. Seismic records of TBM's are presented in terms of peak velocity, frequency and attenuation rates. The technical and non-technical aspects of TBM planning activites are discussed. Use of 4 TBM's on a major transit project is presented as a case history for TBM planning. Recommendations are made for future work and observation records required for future performance evaluations are summarized.
Rosap ID dot:11183
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/11183
TRT Terms Case studies; Fracture mechanics; Mathematical models; Project management; Rocks; Soil penetration test; Tunneling; Tunneling machines
Classification AGR - INFRASTRUCTURE - INFRASTRUCTURE;
NTL - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION;
NTL - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Rail Transit;
NTL - PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - Transit Safety and Security
Geographical
Coverage
United States
Report Number UMTA-MA-06-0100-84-1; DOT-TSC-UMTA-83-54
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/49000/49700/49759/DOT-TSC-UMTA-83-54.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository