Comments on: 'Bentonite and grout flow around a TBM'

摘要

I have read with great interest the article by Dr. Bezuijen, "Bentonite and grout flow around a TBM" published in the June 2007 issue of T&TI, p39-42. The topic is definitely one of the most important in the field of mechanised tunnelling, being the management of the void around the shield of a TBM as one of the major sources of concern for both designers and contractors involved in urban tunnelling projects. To study the behaviour of the ground, the grout and the bentonite slurry surrounding the shield of a TBM one needs to understand: (1) if we have to expect any volume loss due to the conical shape of the shield, (2) if we are able to calculate it accurately, and (3) if we can mitigate it.