Field-Based Semi-Empirical Analysis of Total Thrust and Cutterhead Torque in EPB Shield Tunneling During a Hard-Rock-to-Sandy-Strata Transition
Source abstract
Abstract
Existing component-based models have difficulty interpreting the field response of earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunneling parameters when the excavation face gradually changes from hard rock to sandy strata. To address this problem, this study proposes a mechanism-informed semi-empirical analysis based on a continuous face sand fraction function, η(z), which represents the evolution of the sand-bearing area fraction at the excavation face along the shield advance direction. The function is constructed from the geological profile and is used as a continuous reformulation of existing face-composition descriptors such as rock/sand ratio and composite ratio. Based on η(z), engineering-equivalent models for total thrust and cutterhead torque are developed and evaluated using field tunneling data from Qingdao Metro Line 15 and Line 5. The Dandan right-line data are used for parameter calibration, while the Basi right-line data from Rings 590–650 are used for independent validation without further parameter tuning. The results show that the η-related correction term improves the independent validation performance of the total thrust model, reducing the MAPE from 22.56% to 14.25%. In contrast, cutterhead torque exhibits stronger operational variability and interval-specific baseline offset. After applying a baseline correction determined from the stable hard-rock section of the Basi interval, the ring-scale torque MAPE decreases from 44.07% to 17.25%, but the additional η-related torque contribution remains limited. These results indicate that total thrust is more sensitive to the gradual increase in face sand fraction, whereas cutterhead torque is more strongly influenced by machine condition, cutter wear, and operational control. The proposed approach provides a field-based semi-empirical reference for interpreting tunneling parameter responses in similar hard-rock-to-sandy-strata transition zones.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Geotechnical Engineering and Analysis · Tunneling and Rock Mechanics · Rock Mechanics and Modeling
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Civil Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao 266520, China
School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
State Key Laboratory for Tunnel Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing 100083, China
Qingdao Metro Group Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266035, China
Funding
National Key Research and Development Program of China · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities · China University of Mining and Technology
References (24)
Show source-provided references
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