Assessment of TBM gripper performance in the bedded sedimentary rock of Sydney, Australia
RIS ID
108396
Link to publisher version (URL)
Abstract
One of the key drivers for the selection of a mechanized tunneling method in good quality rock masses is a good excavation advance rate. In order to achieve satisfactory advance rates, a good geotechnical performance of the rock grippers in main beam open tunnel boring machines (TBM) is required, besides other factors related to ground support and the performance of the cutter head. One well known potential issue of TBM grippers is associated with the bearing capacity of the tunnel side walls while crossing fault zones or poor rock masses in general. Such a mechanism is similar to that of footings on rock and perhaps the most common problem associated with gripper performance. Depending on the quality of the rock, the rock under the gripper contact may experience significant damage and crushing, eventually affecting the TBM advance rate due to a lack of tunnel wall reaction/support. Such a mechanism is primarily dependent on rock quality, applied loads and gripper size.
Publication Details
Oliveira, D. (2016). Assessment of TBM gripper performance in the bedded sedimentary rock of Sydney, Australia. ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress 2016 (WTC 2016) (pp. 114-123). Englewood, United States: Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration Inc.