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A Segmental Support Method for the Passage of TBMs Through Excavated Metro Stations

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Abstract

Excavating metro tunnels using TBMs poses several challenges, especially when it comes to passing through excavated stations. It is difficult to build support structures and push frames to move a TBM across a station box and relaunch it at the other end. To address this issue, our paper proposes a method that involves using multi-segmented concrete rings. These partial rings provide the necessary support to push the TBM forward, allowing us to take advantage of the segmental support method without having to build complete rings within the station space. Our study found that TBM can be relaunched with both five-segmented and six-segmented supports, but the latter is the better option. We tested the proposed method in multiple stations along Line 6 of the Tehran Metro project. The results showed that the method is effective and does not cause any unacceptable deviation. In conclusion, we confidently recommend this method for similar projects encountering the challenge of building support structures and push frames to move a TBM across a station box and relaunch it at the other end.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal AleAhmad, Nasr Street, Tehran, 14115-14, Iran

    Mosleh Eftekhari

  2. Ahab Construction Company, Tehran, Iran

    Mehdi Bastami

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  1. Mosleh Eftekhari
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  2. Mehdi Bastami
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Correspondence to Mosleh Eftekhari.

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Eftekhari, M., Bastami, M. A Segmental Support Method for the Passage of TBMs Through Excavated Metro Stations. Geotech Geol Eng 41, 4185–4203 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-023-02515-4

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