Optimal design of structural parameters for shield cutterhead based on fuzzy mathematics and multi-objective genetic algorithm

In order to improve the strength and stiffness of shield cutterhead, the method of fuzzy mathematics theory in combination with the finite element analysis is adopted. An optimal design model of structural parameters for shield cutterhead is formulated,based on the complex engineering technical requirements. In the model, as the objective function of the model is a composite function of the strength and stiffness, the response surface method is applied to formulate the approximate function of objective function in order to reduce the solution scale of optimal problem. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to solve the cutterhead structure design problem and the change rule of the stress-strain with various structural parameters as well as their optimal values were researched under specific geological conditions. The results show that compared with original cutterhead structure scheme, the obtained optimal scheme of the cutterhead structure can greatly improve the strength and stiffness of the cutterhead, which can be seen from the reduction of its maximum equivalent stress by 21.2%, that of its maximum deformation by 0.75%, and that of its mass by 1.04%.

Investigation of feature contribution to shield tunneling-induced settlement using Shapley additive explanations method

Accurate prediction of shield tunneling-induced settlement is a complex problem that requires consideration of many influential parameters.Recent studies reveal that machine learning(ML)algorithms can predict the settlement caused by tunneling.However,well-performing ML models are usually less interpretable.Irrelevant input features decrease the performance and interpretability of an ML model.Nonetheless,feature selection,a critical step in the ML pipeline,is usually ignored in most studies that focused on predicting tunneling-induced settlement.This study applies four techniques,i.e.Pearson correlation method,sequential forward selection(SFS),sequential backward selection(SBS)and Boruta algorithm,to investigate the effect of feature selection on the model’s performance when predicting the tunneling-induced maximum surface settlement(S_(max)).The data set used in this study was compiled from two metro tunnel projects excavated in Hangzhou,China using earth pressure balance(EPB)shields and consists of 14 input features and a single output(i.e.S_(max)).The ML model that is trained on features selected from the Boruta algorithm demonstrates the best performance in both the training and testing phases.The relevant features chosen from the Boruta algorithm further indicate that tunneling-induced settlement is affected by parameters related to tunnel geometry,geological conditions and shield operation.The recently proposed Shapley additive explanations(SHAP)method explores how the input features contribute to the output of a complex ML model.It is observed that the larger settlements are induced during shield tunneling in silty clay.Moreover,the SHAP analysis reveals that the low magnitudes of face pressure at the top of the shield increase the model’s output。

Study on Ground Deformation during Shield Tunnel Construction

Through the systematic analysis of the ground settlement generated by the process of shield tunneling,the relationships between ground deformation and construction parameters are studied in this paper.Based on the assumption of linear small deformation,a mathematical model of the relationship between ground deformation and construction parameters is set up.The principle and method of optimization for estimating ground deformation is studied.The actual measured data are compared with the results of theoretical analysis in a case.Considering different ground formations in different construction sites with different adverse effects on surface and underground structures,the ground surface deformations caused by shield tunneling is an aimed topic in this paper.The contributions and research implications are the revealed relationships between the ground deformation and the shield tunneling parameters during construction.

Managing Tidal Inlets

Sandy inlets are in a dynamic equilibrium between wave-driven littoral drift acting to close them,and tidal flows keeping them open.Their beds are in a continual state of suspension and deposition,so their bathymetry and even location are always in flux.Even so,a nearly linear relationship between an inlet’s cross-sectional flow area and the inshore tidal prism is maintained-except when major wind and/or runoff events act to close or widen an inlet.Inlet location can be stabilized by jetties,but dredging may still be necessary to maintain a navigable channel.Armoring with rock large enough to resist erosion can protect an inlet bed or river mouth from excessive storm flow erosion.Armoring can also be used as a stratagem to close inlets.

Surface settlements induced by twin tunneling in silty sand

Surface settlements caused by twin tunneling are a major interest in underground space engineering.Most prevailing studies have investigated the surface settlements observed over twin tunnels constructed in clay.Yet,less attention is given to the twin tunnels exca-vated in silty sand,which is the focus of this study.A comprehensive field monitoring scheme was designed in the Hangzhou metro line six project to measure the surface settlements during twin tunneling by adopting earth pressure balance shields.The influence of four shield operational parameters,namely,face pressure,tail grouting pressure,penetration rate,and pitching angle on the surface settle-ments due to twin tunneling are explored.In general,the total settlement profiles observed over twin tunnels follow an inverted bimodal shape.The post-settlement observed over the 1^(st)tunnel due to the 2^(nd)tunnel excavation is non-trivial when the twin tunnels are spaced closely.Low face pressure and tail grouting pressure can induce excessive peak surface settlements during twin tunneling in silty sand.