Assessing clogging potential and optimizing driving parameter of slurry shield tunneling in clay stratum assisted with CFD-DEM modeling

Abstract

This paper proposed a two-way coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) approach to analyze the evolution of clogging in slurry shield tunneling quantitatively. The interactions between clay particles and slurry were considered by exchanging three interaction forces, including buoyancy force, pressure gradient force, and drag force. The CFD-DEM coupling approach was first benchmarked by comparing cutterhead torque and total thrust with field monitored data of a practical slurry shield tunnel project. The evolution process of the particle phase and the fluid phase over time was presented. The results indicated that fewer than 70% of the particles can be washed away in time by the circulating slurry. About 9% of the particles adhered to the submerged wall, resulting in increased cutterhead torque and thrust. Through parametric analysis, the influence of the shield driving parameters on the clay clogging behavior is further explored. The time history of cutterhead torque or thrust can be used as a criterion for judging whether clogging has occurred. Additionally, a new assessment method of clogging risk and an optimization strategy of driving parameters were proposed, which were intended to provide some guidance for similar projects.

Keywords

Slurry shield / Clogging / Driving parameter optimization / Assessment method / CFD-DEM

References

[1] Alberto-Hernandez Y., Kang C., Yi Y. L., & Bayat A. (2018). Clogging potential of tunnel boring machine (TBM): A review. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 12(3), 316-323.

[2] Amoun S., Sharifzadeh M., Shahriar K., Rostami J., & Azali S. T. (2017). Evaluation of tool wear in EPB tunneling of Tehran Metro, Line 7 Expansion. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 61, 233-246.

[3] American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) (2010). ASTM D2487- 17: Standard practice for classification of soils for engineering purposes (unified soil classification system). West Conshohocken, USA.

[4] Bai X. D., Cheng W. C., Sheil B. B., & Li G. (2021). Pipejacking clogging detection in soft alluvial deposits using machine learning algorithms. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 113, 103908.

[5] Bezuijen A., & Talmon A. M. (2014). Soil pressures at the cutting wheel and the pressure bulkhead of an EPB-shield. In Proceedings of 8th International Symposium on Geotechnical Aspects of Underground Construction in Soft Ground (IS-SEOUL) (pp. 523-529).

[6] CRC Press. Burbaum U., & Sass I. (2017). Physics of adhesion of soils to solid surfaces. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 76(3),1097-1105.

[7] Chen R. P., Tang L. J., Ling D. S., & Chen Y. M. (2011). Face stability analysis of shallow shield tunnels in dry sandy ground using the discrete element method. Computers and Geotechnics, 38(2), 187-195.

[8] Chen Z. T., Bezuijen A., Fang Y., Wang K., & Deng R. Y. (2022). Experimental study and field validation on soil clogging of EPB shields in completely decomposed granite. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 120, 104300.

[9] Cundall P. A., & Strack O. D. L. (1979). A discrete numerical model for granular assemblies. Ge´otechnique, 29(1), 47-65.

[10] Dang T. S., & Meschke G. (2020). Influence of muck properties and chamber design on pressure distribution in EPB pressure chambers- Insights from computational flow simulations. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 99, 103333.

[11] Ding Z., He S. Y., Zhou W. H., Xu T., He S. H., & Zhang X. (2021). Analysis of ground deformation induced by shield tunneling considering the effects of muck discharge and grouting. Transportation Geotechnics, 30, 100629.

[12] Feinendegen M., Ziegler M., Spagnoli G., Ferna´ndez-Steeger T., & Stanjek H. (2010). A new laboratory test to evaluate the problem of clogging in mechanical tunnel driving with EPB-shields. In ISRM International Symposium-EUROCK 2010(pp. 429-432).

[13] Feinendegen M., Ziegler M., Weh M., & Spagnoli G. (2011). Clogging during EPB-tunnelling: Occurrence, classification and new manipulation methods. In Proceedings of the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress 2021 (pp. 767-776).

[14] Fu Y. B., Zeng D. Q., Xiong H., Li X. H., & Chen Y. L. (2022). Seepage effect on failure mechanisms of the underwater tunnel face via CFD-DEM coupling. Computers and Geotechnics, 146, 104591.

[15] Hollmann F. S., & Thewes M. (2013). Assessment method for clay clogging and disintegration of fines in mechanised tunnelling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 37, 96-106.

[16] Hollmann F., Thewes M., & Weh M. (2014). Influence of Clogging on the Muck Transport in Shield Machines). Tunnel, 33(3), 10-19.

[17] Jin D. L., Yuan D. J., & Mao J. H. (2022). Face failure analysis of a shield tunnel with slurry penetration into the ground. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 126, 104554.

[18] Jin D. L., Zhang Z. Y., & Yuan D. J. (2021). Effect of dynamic cutterhead on face stability in EPB shield tunneling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 110, 103827.

[19] Johnson K. L., Kendall K., & Roberts A. D. (1971). Surface energy and the contact of elastic solids. Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 324( 1558), 301-313.

[20] Basmenj A. K., Mirjavan A., Ghafoori M., & Cheshomi A. (2017). Assessment of the adhesion potential of kaolinite and montmorillonite using a pull-out test device. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 76(4), 1507-1519.

[21] Launder B. E., & Spalding D. B. (1974). The numerical computation of turbulent flows. Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, 3(2), 269-289.

[22] Li X. G., Yang Y., Li X. C., & Liu H. Z. (2022). Criteria for cutting head clogging occurrence during slurry shield tunneling. Applied Sciences, 12(3), 1001.

[23] Lin X. T., Su D., Shen X., Peng Y. S., Han K. H., & Chen X. S. (2022). Effect of tunnelling-induced ground loss on the distribution of earth pressure on a deep underground structure. Computers and Geotechnics, 147, 104781.

[24] Maynar M. J., & Rodr´ıguez L. E. (2005). Discrete numerical model for analysis of earth pressure balance tunnel excavation. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 131(10), 1234-1242.

[25] Messerklinger S., Zumsteg R., & Puzrin A. M. (2011). A new pressurized vane shear apparatus. Geotechnical Testing Journal, 34(2), 112-121.

[26] Mindlin R. D. (1949). Compliance of elastic bodies in contact. Journal of Applied Mechanics, 16, 259-268.

[27] Morsi S. A., & Alexander A. J. (1972). An Investigation of Particle Trajectories in Two-phase Flow Systems. Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 55(2), 193-208.

[28] Mosavat K. (2015). Examination of Excavation Chamber Pressure Behavior on a 17.5 m Diameter Earth Pressure Balance Tunnel Boring Machine. [Master’s Thesis, Colorado School of Mines, USA].

[29] Nian T., Li D. Y., Liang Q. H., Wu H., & Guo X. S. (2021). Multiphase flow simulation of landslide dam formation process based on extended coupled DEM-CFD method. Computers and Geotechnics, 140 (3), 104438.

[30] Ryu Y. M., Kwon Y. S., Kim T. H., & Lee I. M. (2019). Slurry clogging criteria for slurry shield tunnelling in highly permeable ground. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 23(6), 2784-2793.

[31] Shi J. K., Wang F., Zhang D. M., & Huang H. W. (2021). Refined 3D modelling of spatial-temporal distribution of excess pore water pressure induced by large diameter slurry shield tunneling. Computers and Geotechnics, 137, 104312.

[32] Spagnoli G., Rubinos D. A., Stanjek H., Ferna´ndez-Steeger T. M., Feinendegen M., & Azzam R. (2012). Undrained shear strength of clays as modified by pH variations. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 71(1), 135-148.

[33] Su W. L., Li X. G., Jin D. L., Yang Y., Qin R. C., & Wang X. Y. (2020). Analysis and prediction of TBM disc cutter wear when tunneling in hard rock strata: A case study of a metro tunnel excavation in Shenzhen, China. Wear, 446-447, 203190.

[34] Subba Rao K. S. S., Allam M. M., & Robinson R. G. (2002). An apparatus for evaluating adhesion between soils and solid surfaces. Journal of Testing and Evaluation, 30(1), 27-36.

[35] Thewes M., & Burger W. (2004). Clogging risks for TBM drives in clay. Tunnels and Tunnelling International, 36(6), 28-31.

[36] Wang S. Y., Liu P. F., Hu Q. X., & Zhong J. Z. (2020). Effect of dispersant on the tangential adhesion strength between clay and metal for EPB shield tunnelling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 95, 103144.

[37] Wang T., Yuan D. J., Jin D. L., & Li X. G. (2021). Experimental study on slurry-induced fracturing during shield tunneling. Frontiers of Structural and Civil Engineering, 15(2), 333-345.

[38] Wu F., Gong Q. M., Li Z. G., Qiu H. F., Jin C., Huang L., & Yin L. J. (2021). Development and application of cutterhead vibration monitoring system for TBM tunnelling. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 146, 104887.

[39] Yang D., Xia Y. M., Wu D., Chen P., Zeng G. Y., & Zhao X. Q. (2018). Numerical investigation of pipeline transport characteristics of slurry shield under gravel stratum. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 71, 223-230.

[40] Yang Y., Li X. G., & Su W. L. (2020). Experimental Investigation on Rheological Behaviors of Bentonite- and CMC-Conditioned Sands. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering, 24(6), 1914-1923.

[41] Yang Y., Li X. G., & Li X. C. (2018). Shear strength and compression coefficient for conditioned sand subjected to earth chamber stress levels. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2018, 1759151.

[42] Yang Y., Li X. G., Jin D. L., Su W. L., & Mao J. H. (2021). Transient temperature field model for a cutterhead during slurry shield tunneling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 117, 104128.

[43] Yin X. S., Chen R. P., & Meng F. Y. (2021). Influence of seepage and tunnel face opening on face support pressure of EPB shield. Computers and Geotechnics, 135, 104198.

[44] Zhai J. L., Wang Q., Yuan D. Y., Zhang W. K., Wang H. Z., Xie X. Y., & Shahrour I. (2022). Clogging risk early warning for slurry shield tunneling in mixed mudstone-gravel ground: A real-time self-updating machine learning approach. Sustainability, 14(3), 1368.

[45] Zhang Q., Qu C. Y., Cai Z. X., Kang Y. L., & Huang T. (2014). Modeling of the thrust and torque acting on shield machines during tunneling. Automation in Construction, 40, 60-67.

[46] Zhou J. C., Zhang L. B., Hu C., Li Z. H., Tang J. J., Mao K. M., & Wang X. Y. (2022). Calibration of wet sand and gravel particles based on JKR contact model. Powder Technology, 397, 117005.

[47] Zhu H. H., Cheng P. P., Xiaoying Z., Li Y. H., & Li P. N. (2020). Assessment and structural improvement on the performance of soil chamber system of EPB shield assisted with DEM modeling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 96, 103092.

[48] Zizka Z., Schoesser B., Thewes M., & Schanz T. (2019). Slurry shield tunneling: New methodology for simplified prediction of increased pore pressures resulting from slurry infiltration at the tunnel face under cyclic excavation processes. International Journal of Civil Engineering, 17(4), 113-130.

[49] Zumsteg R., & Puzrin A. M. (2012). Stickiness and adhesion of conditioned clay pastes. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 31, 86-96.

[50] Zumsteg R., Puzrin A. M., & Anagnostou G. (2016). Effects of slurry on stickiness of excavated clays and clogging of equipment in fluid supported excavations. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 58, 197-208.