Prediction of TBM Advance Rate Using Rock Engineering Systems

Prediction of TBM performance is a crucial issue in mechanized tunneling projects، since machine performance has an influence on duration and costs of the projects. Rock mass parameters have significant effects on TBM advance rate as well as influence of these parameters on each other. In order to model the effect of geological conditions on TBM downtimes using Rock Engineering Systems (RES)، a thorough database based on three long water conveyance tunnels in Iran has been developed. Advance Rate index (ARi) has been calculated using Rock Engineering Systems method and the predicting relationship between the ARi and advance rate has also been obtained using regression analysis in quadratic equation form.