Rock Mass Excavability (RME) Indicator: New Way to Selecting the Optimum Tunnel Construction Method

摘要

This paper introduces the Rock Mass Excavability (RME) indicator which the authors found effectivernin predicting excavability by TBMs, using a quantification of TBM performance, and to provide a toolrnto choose the tunnel construction method. The RME is based on five parameters specifically related tornrock mass behaviour and TBM characteristics. The RME has been checked with data from 22.9 km ofrntunnels bored with TBM. A number of statistical correlations have been established between RME andrnsuch relevant output parameters, as Average Rate of Advance (ARA).