Abstract
High in situ stresses strongly influence the stability of the excavation face in deep tunnels. Brittle failure of the rock can lead to the formation of blocks at the face which may have a deep impact on a TBM. This paper introduces the ongoing research on this topic at the Rock Mechanics Laboratory (LMR) of the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). The aim is to show the problem by focusing on the principal aspects involved and in particular to underline the influence of a blocky ground on the TBM Utilization Factor (UF) and total Advance Rate (AR). This is done by considering the case of the Lötschberg Base Tunnel. Some "representative" sections with face structure varying from regular to blocky are selected and the related variation of the machine utilization factor and advance rate is studied.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Harmonising Rock Engineering and the Environment - Proceedings of the 12th ISRM International Congress on Rock Mechanics |
| Publisher | ISRM |
| Pages | 1665-1669 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780415804448 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | International Society of Rock Mechanics Series of Symposia and Conferences 2011 - China National Convention Center (CNCC), Beijing, China Duration: 18 Oct 2011 → 21 Oct 2011 Conference number: 12th https://www.isrm.net/gca/index.php?id=1053 |
Conference
| Conference | International Society of Rock Mechanics Series of Symposia and Conferences 2011 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ISRM 2011 |
| Country | China |
| City | Beijing |
| Period | 18/10/11 → 21/10/11 |
| Other | International Congress on Rock Mechanics of the International Society for Rock Mechanics 2011 Proceedings title = Harmonising Rock Engineering and the Environment |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Back analysis
- Mechanical excavation (TBM/RBM)
- Rock burst
- Rock stress
- Tunnelling