Comparative analysis of support methods for TBM entrance walls


Mohammadi M., Dastgerdi R. H., Shokati B., Burua A. N., Mohammadi D.

International Journal of Mining and Geo-Engineering, vol.59, no.3, pp.229-235, 2025 (Scopus) identifier

Abstract

The excavation and construction of underground stations are essential elements of modern urban infrastructure. This research article delves into the critical aspect of station construction within underground transportation systems, focusing specifically on stabilizing entrance walls of a metro station, particularly for Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) entrances. The study conducts a comparative analysis between two support systems: the plastic concrete piles method and its combination with soil nailing, evaluating their efficacy in the context of TBM entrances. Employing both 2D and 3D Finite Element Modelling (FEM), the research investigates various soil constitutive models, including the Hardening Soil and Hardening Soil with Small Strain models. The findings emphasize the combined approach of utilizing plastic concrete piles with soil nailing as being more advantageous, demonstrating superior displacement control. Additionally, the comparison of modelling approaches indicates that the utilization of 3D modelling with the Hardening Soil with Small Strain model is recommended for numerical analysis of deep excavations near sensitive properties due to its ability to predict realistic ground movement distributions.