STUDY OF PARAMETERS IMPACTING PRODUCTIVITY OF TUNNEL BORING MACHINES

Abstract

Tunnel construction has been on the rise for transportation of humans, freight and fluids. For a successful tunneling project, it is necessary for that tunneling contractors to have sufficient data about scope of work, project features and characteristics of the ground to estimate advance rate of the a tunnel boring machine (TBM). The main objective of this thesis is to study tunneling case studies and literature to analyze TBM productivity based on ground conditions, diameter and length of each project. Project data was tabulated and results are reported in this thesis. The methodology to conduct this research was literature search through databases such as ProQuest, Engineering Village, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and ASCE Library. Additionally, Tunnels and Tunneling Magazine as well as TBM manufactures’ Websites, etc. were studied. The conclusions of this thesis show that in-depth ground investigations, such as using pilot tunnels, will improve construction productivity of tunnel operations. Other factors impacting productivity include compressive strength of rocks or hard grounds, rock abrasivity, tunnel diameter, location of project (whether it is urban or rural) and other factors as they are determined in this thesis.