Theoretical prediction of wear of disc cutters in tunnel boring machine and its application

Predicting the cutter consumption and the exact time to replace the worn-out cutters in tunneling projects constructed with tunnel boring machine(TBM) is always a challenging issue. In this paper, we focus on the analyses of cutter motion in the rock breaking process and trajectory of rock breaking point on the cutter edge in rocks. The analytical expressions of the length of face along which the breaking point moves and the length of spiral trajectory of the maximum penetration point are derived. Through observation of rock breaking process of disc cutters as well as analysis of disc rock interaction, the following concepts are proposed: the arc length theory of predicting wear extent of inner and center cutters, and the spiral theory of predicting wear extent of gage and transition cutters. Data obtained from5621 m-long Qinling tunnel reveal that among 39 disc cutters, the relative errors between cumulatively predicted and measured wear values for nine cutters are larger than 20%, while approximately 76.9% of total cutters have the relative errors less than 20%. The proposed method could offer a new attempt to predict the disc cutter's wear extent and changing time.

Quantitatively assessing the pre-grouting effect on the stability of tunnels excavated in fault zones with discontinuity layout optimization:A case study

Pre?grouting is a popular ground treatment strategy utilized to enhance the strength and stability of strata during the excavation of a tunnel through a fault zone.Two important questions need to be answered during such an excavation.First,how should the grouting size be determined?Second,when should excavation begin after grouting?These two questions are conventionally addressed through empirical experience and standard criteria because a reliable quantitative approach,which would be preferable,has not yet been developed.To address these questions,we apply a recently proposed numerical approach known as discontinuity layout optimization,an efficient node-based upper bound limit analysis method.A case study is provided utilizing a tunnel located in a stratum characterized by complicated geological conditions,including soft soil and a fault zone.The factor of safety is used to quantitatively assess the stability of the tunnel section.The influences of the grouted zone thickness and the time-dependent material properties of the grouted zone on the stability of the tunnel section are evaluated,thereby assisting designers by quantitatively assessing the effects of pre-grouting.

Characteristics of water inflow and chemical grouting treatment of a Liu Yuanzi Coal Mine shaft in the Ordos Basin

During shaft constructing, a borehole water inflow of 30 m3/h was encountered in Liu Yuanzi Coal Mine in the southwestern Ordos Basin, whose aquifer is mainly cretaceous. On the basis of regional hydrogeological conditions, a mercury intrusion method and scanning electron microscope were used in this study. We conclude that the loose, porous and easily collapsible clay particles of the cretaceous aquifer rock mass were the major geological cause for water hazards during the construction of the shaft. We propose an approach of chemical grouting from the working surface and in the end succeeded in blocking the water.

Understanding the need for pre-injection from permeability measurements: What is the connection?

Pre-grouting ahead of tunnels has three main functions:to control water inflow into the tunnel,to limit groundwater drawdown above the tunnel,and to make tunnelling progress more predictable since rock mass quality is effectively improved.It helps to avoid settlement damage caused by consolidation of clay deposits beneath built-up areas,since towns tend to be built where terrain is more flat,due to the clay deposits.There are so many instances of settlement damage that the profession needs to take note of the need for high-pressure pre-grouting,to use micro-cements and micro-silica additives.The use of highpressure injection may cause joint jacking,but this is local in extent when the rapid pressure decay away from an injection hole is understood.This effect is variable and depends on the geometrical parameters of the joints.This pressure-decay advantage must not be violated by maintaining high pressure when grout flow from the injection hole has ceased.The latter can cause damage to the grouting already achieved.Simplified methods of estimating mean hydraulic apertures(e)from Lugeon testing are described,and from more sophisticated three-dimensional(3D)permeability measurement.The estimation of the larger mean physical joint apertures(E)is based on the joint roughness coefficient(JRC).Comparison is then made with the empirical aperture-particle size criterion E>4d95,where d95 represents almost the largest cement particle size.Depending on joint set orientations and on the available micro-cements,the decision must be made of which range of pre-injection pressure should be aimed for,using successive reductions of the water-cement ratio w/c.More simple estimation of permeability,also with depth dependence,can be made with the empirical link between a modified rock mass quality Q and permeability,which is termed QH2O.The value of this parameter can be based on core-logging or intunnel face logging.The 3D before-and-after-grouting permeability measurements have been used to justify the quantification of rock mass quality Q-parameter improvement,and the consequent increases in expected P-wave velocity and deformation modulus,for application in dam foundation treatment and its monitoring.