Development of a production estimation model for tunnel boring machines (TBMs)

Abstract

Advance rate (AR) estimation is a crucial factor at the conceptual phase of a tunneling project for preliminary estimation of tunnel boring machines' (TBMs') usage. The primary objective of this research is to develop order of magnitude performance charts for advance rate of TBMs that can be used using the limited information about the tunneling progress at the conceptual phase. The secondary objective of this dissertation is to evaluate factors that impact TBM progress in large diameter applications. Tunnel diameter and uniaxial compressive strength of ground are found to be some of the primary parameters for prediction of advance rate. Statistical analysis was used to produce an advance rate formula. Then performance charts were developed for specific rock conditions. The results were tested with use of case studies. The results of this dissertation showed that the highest amount of overestimation for case studies considered by this performance charts was 16%. The outcome of this dissertation can assist in prediction of tunnel boring machine's advance rate at the conceptual stage of a tunneling project based on uniaxial compressive strength of rock and diameter of the tunnel.