Performance analysis of tunnel-boring machine by probabilistic systems approach Available to Purchase

In this paper, the performance of an earth pressure balance tunnel-boring machine (EPB-TBM) during tunnel construction is analysed. A case study with data from the east–west part of the Tehran metro line 7 is employed to develop a methodology. Several parameters of different types that influence TBM operations in soft ground are identified and analysed, and the probabilistic systems approach is utilised to interpret the interactions between pairs of parameters. For this purpose, the probabilistic expert semi-quantitative and Monte Carlo simulation techniques have been employed. An index is developed to calculate the utilisation along the studied tunnel path. The results have been compared with real utilisation factor values from the project, showing an excellent agreement between estimations and observations.