This dissertation provides a review of the most notable papers published with regard to the specific performance characteristics of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM's) during the past twenty years. It is a literature study of a Bibliography of 57 publications, which were screened from an original list of 970 documents. A historical introduction is given, outlining the first TBM's designed and built more than 120 years ago, and the first efforts at building a tunnel under the English Channel are described. The development and performance of TBM's is then traced over the last 40 years up to the most modern machines. The parameters affecting and constraining the specific performance of TBM's are examined, as they are aired by the various authors in this study. The purpose of this examination is to present a point of departure from which research may commence, with the broadest possible background. It is anticipated that this study can contribute to bringing researchers up to date speedily, regarding the current state of the art of TBM's. Finally, the study suggests three possible areas of future research, aimed at improving the utilisation and specific performance of TBM's. These are: (a) the more comprehensive analysis of the mechanics of rock cutting by free rolling TBM disc cutters; (b) a possible new approach to performing large scale laboratory tests of TBM face cutting, (c) and and the development of a comprehensive computer program for the simulation of the mechanics and logistical operation of a tunnel boring operation.
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