Environmental Effect and Control of Large Diameter EPB Shield Tunneling below an Operating Airport

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, a super-large diameter earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunnel crossing below an operating airport in a soft soil region is introduced to investigate the environmental effect of EPB shield tunneling. The new tunnel with a length of 1,862.7 m was constructed using the EPB shield machine with a diameter of 14.27 m. Field tests of 100 tunnel segments tunneling were conducted prior to the construction of the airport area. The distribution of pore water pressure and soil pressure on the excavation surface of the super-large diameter EPB shield and its relationship with the construction parameters are studied. In addition, the influence of the shield construction parameters on the ground movements is investigated by monitoring the surface settlement. The construction control criteria of EPB shield tunneling under the airport is then recommended, including the chamber earth pressure setting, synchronous grouting, advance speed, and stopping excavation. Application and practice show that...