The rock fragmentation and crack propagation under TBM tunneling based on particle flow code

Abstract

Abstract The rock fragmentation and crack propagation of anisotropic rock induced by tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunneling is studied in this paper. First, a numerical model based on the 2D particle flow code (PFC2D) is established and calibrated to reveal the four stages of rock fragmentation. In Stage I (indentation depth 0–0.4 mm), the indentation force beneath the cutterhead increases and decreases dramatically with the accumulation and release of mechanical energy. Such a phenomenon indicates that a hydrostatic core (crushed zone) can be observed. In Stage II (indentation depth 0.4–1.1 mm), many median cracks propagate dramatically with the indentation force. Meanwhile, the hydrostatic core is pushed because the mechanical energy of the cutterhead is reaccumulated in the specimen. In Stage III (indentation depth 1.1–2.6 mm), lateral cracks begin to develop due to the further increase in indentation depth. In Stage IV (indentation depth 2.6–5 mm), the lateral cracks and median cracks continue to propagate, and rock chips can be found on the sides of the cutterhead. Then, with increasing confining pressure, lateral cracks begin to gradually develop and the maximum angle of lateral cracks is 70.5°. Furthermore, the magnitude of the intrusion velocity can seriously influence the evolution of the indentation force during Stages III and IV because of the accumulation and release of mechanical energy. The accumulation and release of mechanical energy are more obvious with a higher intrusion velocity of the cutterhead.