Key Technologies and Applications of the Design and Manufacturing of Non-Circular TBMs

With the rapid development of the exploitation of underground space, more and more large- or super- large-diameter tunnel-boring machines （TBMs） are being employed to construct underground space projects. At present, because conventional circular TBMs cannot completely meet the requirements of underground space exploitation regarding the cross-section and space-utilization ratio, non-circular TBMs. which are the tunneling equipment for an ideal cross-section, have become the new market growth point. This paper first presents the technical features and development status of non-circular TBMs. Next, in reference to typical projects and technological innovation, this paper investigates key techniques including shield design optimization, multi-cutterhead excavation, special-shaped segment erection, and soil conditioning in loess strata for a rectangular pipe-jacking machine and a horseshoe-shaped TBM, in order to provide a set of feasible solutions for the design, manufacture, and construction of non-circular TBMs. Relevant engineering practice shows that non-circular TBMs with customized design and manufacture have great advantages in terms of construction schedule, settlement control, and space utilization.

Interpretation of pipe-jacking and lubrication records for drives in silty soil

In recent years,there has been an increased resort to microtunnelling/pipe-jacking as a means of constructing underground conduits(for water,sewage,gas,and other utilities)to avoid on-street disruption in urban areas.In this paper,technical details of two 1200 mm internal diameter microtunnels in silty sand totalling over 550 m in length are discussed.While average skin friction values are extremely low for both drives suggesting effective lubrication practice,differences in normalised bentonite volumes appear to be responsible for differences in skin friction.Full or near full buoyancy of the pipeline has been demonstrated for the majority of the drive.The frictional stress increase after a stoppage is shown to depend on not only the stoppage duration but also on the normalised lubrication volume.Interpretation of data in the manner presented in the paper is an important means of assimilating experience of microtunnelling in different ground conditions.

Effect of Orthogonal Stiffeners on the Stability of Axially Compressed Steel Jacking Pipe

Load conditions for steel pipe-jacking are complex during the construction stage. The stability of steel jacking pipe has been an increasingly important problem as jacking forces, pipe diameters and jacking distances increase. However, there are no standards for pipe reinforcement, for prevention of buckling, or for remedying pipe that buckles when being jacked axially. Past experience suggests that stiffeners can effectively reinforce the structure. This study analyzes the effect of different stiffeners on the stability of steel jacking pipe under axial compression using finite element analysis. The results suggest that the stability of steel jacking pipe can be significantly improved by using orthogonal stiffeners, in terms of engineering costs and construction space inside the pipe. Based on current engineering practice, the application of orthogonal stiffeners is discussed. This study provides a useful reference for the design and construction of steel jacking pipe. © 2017, Shanghai Jiaotong University and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.