This paper is published in Volume-7, Issue-3, 2021
Area
Civil Engineering,
Author
Rajesh Kumar Bhagat, Sandeep Sharma, Upain Kumar Bhatia
Org/Univ
Amritsar College of Engineering and Technology, Amritsar, Punjab, India
Pub. Date
21 May, 2021
Paper ID
V7I3-1396
Publisher
Keywords
Underground structures, Tunnel, Tunnel Boring Machine, Risk Assessment of Projects, Hazards

Citationsacebook

IEEE
Rajesh Kumar Bhagat, Sandeep Sharma, Upain Kumar Bhatia. Tunnel Boring Machine Technology: A review, International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology, www.IJARIIT.com.

APA
Rajesh Kumar Bhagat, Sandeep Sharma, Upain Kumar Bhatia (2021). Tunnel Boring Machine Technology: A review. International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology, 7(3) www.IJARIIT.com.

MLA
Rajesh Kumar Bhagat, Sandeep Sharma, Upain Kumar Bhatia. "Tunnel Boring Machine Technology: A review." International Journal of Advance Research, Ideas and Innovations in Technology 7.3 (2021). www.IJARIIT.com.

Abstract

In this modern era of “Construction Technology", the industry is parting with old techniques, researching for better alternatives and opting the state-of-the-art techniques for better and satisfactory output. In this review study, the various tunnel construction techniques have been discussed with special attention to TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) technology. The study highlights the importance and practicability of modern TBM in contrast with traditional methods of tunnel boring/ underground excavations. Timeline of the technological advancements in TBMs have been discussed in detail. The study describes different types of TBMs, components, applicability in different geological conditions. The study explores, the history of TBM, its various types, excavation tools, muck management, tunneling works like tunnel lining, tail-skin seal and grouting, surveying and guidance systems, comparison of tunnel boring machine and conventional excavation techniques, various risks it is exposed to during transport, assembly, erection, testing, boring of a tunnel and disassembly. Apart from this, various challenges involved while working with TBMs have also been discussed and suitable corrective measures have been suggested. It has been observed that if the geological conditions are not identified or if known to be poor, construction workers need to carefully consider whether to use the TBM method or follow a more traditional approach. An optimal scheme should be suggested after analyzing geological conditions, construction progress, economic benefits and environmental impact. However, a number of tunnel boring machines are available with very high advancing speed and do not have many limitations. TBM technology has revolutionized underground space creation under the cities and allows easy construction of metro systems, water and sewage systems, and underground cable networks while maintaining safe and sustainable built environment. However, as different types of TBM are available, their suitability for different soil conditions revolves around the correct choice of TBM and the level of experience of the operator.