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Double shield TBM performance analysis in difficult ground conditions: a case study in the Gerede water tunnel, Turkey

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Abstract

The performance analysis of double shield TBMs in difficult ground conditions in the Gerede tunnel is presented in this study. The strength of the encountered formations along the tunnel route varied from medium strength (sandstone, limestone) to high strength (basalt). The total length of tunnels is 31.6 km, which was excavated by three double shield TBMs having diameter of 5.57 m. Literature studies are first carried out in order to review the difficult ground conditions and their impacts on mechanized tunnelling. Later, the project, geology, and the characteristics of the TBMs are given in detail. Then the factors affecting the performance of the TBMs, machine utilization, and operational parameters (torque, thrust) are discussed in detail. In the light of these facts, the main objective of this study is to describe the possible improvement methods to reduce the effect of these difficulties on TBM performance.

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Acknowledgments

This paper is based on the BSc thesis of Ugur Tuncer. The authors are grateful to the support of Kolin-Limak Joint Venture; this work could be impossible without their support. The authors would like to thank Mr. S. Aktas, Mr. M. Ozturk, Mr. M. Cetin, and Mr. M. A. Kelesoglu for their valuable help during the field studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mining Engineering Department, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, Istanbul, Turkey

    Aydin Shaterpour-Mamaghani, Deniz Tumac & Emre Avunduk

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  1. Aydin Shaterpour-Mamaghani
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  2. Deniz Tumac
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  3. Emre Avunduk
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Correspondence to Deniz Tumac.

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Shaterpour-Mamaghani, A., Tumac, D. & Avunduk, E. Double shield TBM performance analysis in difficult ground conditions: a case study in the Gerede water tunnel, Turkey. Bull Eng Geol Environ 75, 251–262 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-015-0743-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-015-0743-8

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