Semi-analytical approach to estimate slurry penetration in highly permeable soils

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Bentonite slurries are commonly used for tunnel face stabilization during slurry shield tunneling. In highly permeable soils uncontrolled slurry flow into the adjacent soil can cause loss of support and ultimately lead to a collapse of the tunnel face. In this contribution, innovative slurry flow tests were carried out to investigate slurry penetration in coarse soils, considering the influence of the slurry, the soil and the applied fluid pressure. Experimentally, a clear correlation between the slurry penetration, fluid pressure, rheological properties of the slurry and permeability of the soil was observed. Based on the 1D-Navier-Stokes equation, a semi-analytical model to estimate the slurry penetration in coarse soil as a function of the characteristic shear resistance of the slurry determined with a rheometer, the soil permeability and the fluid pressure was derived. The experimental results indicate that using appropriate ben-tonite-filler mixtures slurry shields become feasible, even in very highly permeable soils.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationExpanding Underground - Knowledge and Passion to Make a Positive Impact on the World- Proceedings of the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, WTC 2023
EditorsGeorgios Anagnostou, Andreas Benardos, Vassilis P. Marinos
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages1502-1509
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9781003348030
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
EventITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, ITA-AITES WTC 2023 and the 49th General Assembly of the International Tunnelling and Underground Association, 2023 - Athens, Greece
Duration: 12 May 202318 May 2023

Publication series

NameExpanding Underground - Knowledge and Passion to Make a Positive Impact on the World- Proceedings of the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, WTC 2023

Conference

ConferenceITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress, ITA-AITES WTC 2023 and the 49th General Assembly of the International Tunnelling and Underground Association, 2023
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityAthens
Period12/05/2318/05/23

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