Notice of RetractionRisk analysis of shield tunnel segment failure based on Fuzzy Fault Tree method
Through analyzing and summarizing the types of shield tunnel segment failure and the relevant causes of the accident, Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) was employed to study the failure risk of segment and the Fuzzy Fault Tree system model of segment and segment-related systems were established. The potential failure modes of risk accidents and their influencing factors were discussed through qualitative and quantitative analysis. With its application on practical project, some effective control measures were proposed. This research could be valuable reference for the design, construction and control of shield tunnel segments.
Geological risk in the use of TBMs in heterogeneous rock masses - The case of "Metro do Porto" and the measures adopted
The highly variable nature of the deeply weathered Oporto granite posed significant challenges in the driving of the 2.3 km long C line and the 4 km long S line of the Oporto Metro project. Two 8.7 m diameter Herrenknecht EPB TBMs were used to excavate these tunnels and early problems were encountered due to over excavation and face collapse. Three collapses to surface occurred in the first 400 m of the C line drive and the last of these collapses resulted in the death of an occupant of a house on the surface. This resulted in a delay of almost 9 months to the project and the difficulty was finally resolved by the introduction of an Active Support System which involves the injection of pressurized bentonite slurry to compensate for deficiencies in the face support pressure when driving in mixed face conditions. Both the C and S lines have now been completed with minimal surface subsidence and no face instability.
A case history of Tunnel Boring Machine jamming in an inter-layer shear zone at the Yellow River Diversion Project in China
This is a case study of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) jamming in a section of the Connection Works No. 7 tunnel of the Yellow River Diversion Project (YRDP) in China. Analysis of tunnel lithology, rock convergence by shearing, rock strength and ground stress, indicates that a high rate of convergence within an inter-layer shear zone in the lower part of an anticline was a dominant factor in the jamming. In addition, the shield encountered unfavorable tunnelling conditions in the form of wet clay, groundwater inflow, and cavities, coincident with tensile stresses in the lower part of an adjacent syncline. Based on these diagnoses, economical and quick measures were adopted, including additional excavation outside of the shield leaving free space to release the TBM. After 9 days of being jammed, the TBM was totally released and resumed normal excavation. This example highlights lessons learned from folding and inter-layer shear zone in TBM tunnelling.