Correlation approach between surface settlement and TBM pressure parameters

Abstract

TBMs have become an excellent tool for a fastest development of the underground space in urban areas. An important aspect of its operation, either by EPB or slurry, is the control of the tunnel face stability aiming to minimize the effects on the surrounding ground both during boring and standstill. Moreover, a continuous monitoring campaign is mandatory to check if the assumed risks stand inside the limits of integrity on the nearby buildings. Hereupon, the need for a relation between the TBM face support pressure and the immediate surface settlement has become a matter of interest. Therefore, the following paper is presented with the goal to provide a correlation approach to relate these two important features of tunneling. To achieve that, data from the extension works of São Paulo metro Line 5 will be used to frame the basis of the correlation approach here proposed and proved to fit well.