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Parameter Study on Prediction Methods for TBM Penetration Rate

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Abstract

Penetration rate prediction of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is the first step to advance prediction process of mechanized tunnelling. In this research, influence of effective parameters on TBM penetration rate is investigated by sensitivity analysis of three main TBM performance prediction methods; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), rock mass index (RMi) and QTBM. Based on these analyses, it is shown that applied thrust per disc and joint spacing in NTNU and RMi models have more influence on penetration rate. In QTBM model, Q value, applied thrust per disc and induced biaxial stress are more effective.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express his sincere gratitude to Prof. Bruland for his valuable advice for improvement of this paper and Dr. Palmstrom for his guidance.

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Correspondence to Mahdi Zoorabadi.

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Zoorabadi, M., Saydam, S. & Hebblewhite, B. Parameter Study on Prediction Methods for TBM Penetration Rate. Geotech Geol Eng 31, 783–791 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-012-9594-2

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