Analysis of chamber pressure for earth pressure balance shield machine by discrete numerical model

Abstract

Taking the shield machine tunneling in a railway section as the research object, the discrete element numerical model for analyzing the chamber pressure is established. Comparing the numerical simulation results of the observed pressure on the chamber board with the field construction data, the validity and the feasibility of the simulation method is testified. Then the pressure distribution rules on the chamber board in different opening ratios of the cutting wheel and tunnel axis depth are studied, and the mathematical model of the pressure distribution is proposed. The mapping relation between the excavation face pressure and the chamber board pressure is advanced. The results provide basis for the design and control of the earth pressure balance shield machine. © 2009 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.