Sundaram, N.M., Komoo, I., Rafek, A.G. The Influence of Rock Mass Properties in the Assessment of TBM performance.

1998
Tunnelling Association of Canada Annual Publication.

The Influence of Rock Mass Properties in the Assessment of TBM performance

N. Mogana Sundaram

Ibrahim Komoo
Institute for Development and Environment
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia

Abdul Ghani Rafek

'Department of Geology
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia

Abstract:
The Kelinchi Transfer Tunnel, which was excavated by a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), was
mapped to identify the rock mass properties that influenced the machine's performance. The
effects of rock mass properties such as degree of fracturing, joint volume and discontinuity
characteristics were analyzed. These were compared with the TBM performance, which included
field penetration index, penetration per revolution, specific energy and torque. The existing rock
mass classification NGI's Q-system too was compared with the performance of the TBM. The
empirical relationships between these rock mass properties and TBM performance parameters
were studied and good statistical correlations were found. Since the rock mass properties can be
quantified from surface geological mapping and cores retrieved from diamond drill holes, these
properties can be used as a predictive tool to forecast the TBM performance in hard rock
conditions.

Keywords: homogenous, medium to coarse-grained Mesozoic granite; electronic data logger;

Field Penetration Index; Penetration per revolution; Specific Energy and Torque; Q-Value; The
block size together with joint volume, fissures, spacing, aperture, joint and rock mass alteration
and material strength.

This Compilation of TAC Papers was prepared courtesy of