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Slump value and consistency index relationship for the application of EPB TBMs

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Abstract

This paper presents new methods to evaluate the conditioned soil clogging potential taking into account the slump value and consistency index of the conditioned soil with pure water. In this regard, the results of some field tests performed in two metro tunnels constructed by EPB TBMs are discussed. Major geotechnical data and soil conditioning parameters discussed in this paper include Atterberg limits, natural soil consistency index, water content, liquid injection ratio (LIR), and excavated soil workability (e.g., slump test values). In this regard, using statistical analysis, two practical formulas are developed for the evaluation of the consistency index of the conditioned soil and the slump value with the coefficients of determination of 81 and 71%, respectively. A discussion is also conducted on the clogging potential evaluation, and an improved clogging potential evaluation chart is presented with slump value iso-lines. With this, it is possible to define the required water injection and slump value for the consistency index of 0.4–0.5, which refers to low clogging potential. Based on the results, the sole information of slump is not sufficient to judge the consistency index. The new charts provided in this paper help to fine-tune the slump values corresponding to the proper range of application of EPB TBMs in various plasticity index values.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran

    Ebrahim Farrokh

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  1. Ebrahim Farrokh
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Correspondence to Ebrahim Farrokh.

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Farrokh, E. Slump value and consistency index relationship for the application of EPB TBMs. Arab J Geosci 16, 282 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11381-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11381-6

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