Scholarlink

Abstract <p>In pipe jacking with quasi-rectangular tunnel boring machines (RTBMs), optimizing muck flowability is crucial for minimizing surface settlement and reducing jacking resistance. While both static (fixed) and dynamic (revolving) stirring rods are employed to enhance muck flow, their comparative effectiveness and underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. This study employs a one-way discrete element method–finite element method (DEM-FEM) coupling approach to numerically investigate the mechanical responses of the surrounding stratum and the RTBM structure under these two stirring rod configurations. The results demonstrate that static stirring rods contribute to better control of surface settlement during the machine starting phase by locally increasing the earth pressure at the tunneling face. In contrast, dynamic stirring rods significantly improve muck discharge efficiency and reduce long-term thrust resistance during continuous operation. Based on these findings, a strategic deployment of both rod types during different construction phases to optimize overall performance is proposed. This research provides practical insights for the design and operation of stirring mechanisms in large-section pipe-jacking projects, aiming to balance settlement control with tunneling efficiency.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Enhancing performance of quasi-rectangular pipe jacking: the role of static and dynamic stirring rod configurations on RTBM via a discrete-continuum coupling analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月15日

查看全文
  • Dun Liu,
  • Runqi Zhang,
  • Lei Chen,
  • Dong Su,
  • Jin Li,
  • Xiangsheng Chen

摘要

Abstract

In pipe jacking with quasi-rectangular tunnel boring machines (RTBMs), optimizing muck flowability is crucial for minimizing surface settlement and reducing jacking resistance. While both static (fixed) and dynamic (revolving) stirring rods are employed to enhance muck flow, their comparative effectiveness and underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. This study employs a one-way discrete element method–finite element method (DEM-FEM) coupling approach to numerically investigate the mechanical responses of the surrounding stratum and the RTBM structure under these two stirring rod configurations. The results demonstrate that static stirring rods contribute to better control of surface settlement during the machine starting phase by locally increasing the earth pressure at the tunneling face. In contrast, dynamic stirring rods significantly improve muck discharge efficiency and reduce long-term thrust resistance during continuous operation. Based on these findings, a strategic deployment of both rod types during different construction phases to optimize overall performance is proposed. This research provides practical insights for the design and operation of stirring mechanisms in large-section pipe-jacking projects, aiming to balance settlement control with tunneling efficiency.

Graphical abstract