Numerical simulation method for double shield TBMs crossing weak zones

Abstract Deformation and collapse of the surrounding rock, leading to machine jamming, are critical factors hindering the safe and efficient operation of Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machines (DS TBMs). Machine jamming can be categorized into shield jamming and cutterhead jamming, each influenced by...

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Main Authors: Zhiwen Wang, Meng Wei, Yang Liu, Yushi Liu, Xinyu Tan, Xin Tong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-02-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86051-6
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author Zhiwen Wang
Meng Wei
Yang Liu
Yushi Liu
Xinyu Tan
Xin Tong
author_facet Zhiwen Wang
Meng Wei
Yang Liu
Yushi Liu
Xinyu Tan
Xin Tong
author_sort Zhiwen Wang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Deformation and collapse of the surrounding rock, leading to machine jamming, are critical factors hindering the safe and efficient operation of Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machines (DS TBMs). Machine jamming can be categorized into shield jamming and cutterhead jamming, each influenced by various factors. Numerical simulation effectively quantifies the impact of these factors. This paper examines the calculation methods for thrust resistance and cutterhead torque in DS TBMs and proposes a numerical simulation method that accounts for their tunneling process. A finite difference model of DS TBM excavation in rock with weak zones was developed in FLAC3D, incorporating interactions between the surrounding rock, TBM cutterhead, and shield. A Python program was created to extract stress data from individual shield and cutterhead elements, allowing for a precise quantitative assessment of potential jamming. The proposed numerical simulation method was validated for its accuracy and applicability through the analysis of a shield jamming incident at the K10 + 242 section of the DXL tunnel.
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spelling doaj-art-e8cf7166a40c4ee6a54c63a0f75b493f2025-08-20T03:10:53ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-02-0115111610.1038/s41598-025-86051-6Numerical simulation method for double shield TBMs crossing weak zonesZhiwen Wang0Meng Wei1Yang Liu2Yushi Liu3Xinyu Tan4Xin Tong5State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology)State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology)State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology)State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology)State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology)State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (Chengdu University of Technology)Abstract Deformation and collapse of the surrounding rock, leading to machine jamming, are critical factors hindering the safe and efficient operation of Double Shield Tunnel Boring Machines (DS TBMs). Machine jamming can be categorized into shield jamming and cutterhead jamming, each influenced by various factors. Numerical simulation effectively quantifies the impact of these factors. This paper examines the calculation methods for thrust resistance and cutterhead torque in DS TBMs and proposes a numerical simulation method that accounts for their tunneling process. A finite difference model of DS TBM excavation in rock with weak zones was developed in FLAC3D, incorporating interactions between the surrounding rock, TBM cutterhead, and shield. A Python program was created to extract stress data from individual shield and cutterhead elements, allowing for a precise quantitative assessment of potential jamming. The proposed numerical simulation method was validated for its accuracy and applicability through the analysis of a shield jamming incident at the K10 + 242 section of the DXL tunnel.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86051-6Deep Buried TunnelDouble Shield TBMWeak ZoneTBM JammingNumerical Simulation
spellingShingle Zhiwen Wang
Meng Wei
Yang Liu
Yushi Liu
Xinyu Tan
Xin Tong
Numerical simulation method for double shield TBMs crossing weak zones
Scientific Reports
Deep Buried Tunnel
Double Shield TBM
Weak Zone
TBM Jamming
Numerical Simulation
title Numerical simulation method for double shield TBMs crossing weak zones
title_full Numerical simulation method for double shield TBMs crossing weak zones
title_fullStr Numerical simulation method for double shield TBMs crossing weak zones
title_full_unstemmed Numerical simulation method for double shield TBMs crossing weak zones
title_short Numerical simulation method for double shield TBMs crossing weak zones
title_sort numerical simulation method for double shield tbms crossing weak zones
topic Deep Buried Tunnel
Double Shield TBM
Weak Zone
TBM Jamming
Numerical Simulation
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86051-6
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