Study on the Suitability of Advanced Geological Prediction Methods for TBM Tunnel Construction

Research purposes: In the TBM construction environment, accurate identification of adverse geological bodies in the front tunnel face can effectively avoid geological problems such as machine jam, water and mud inrush. However, due to the extremely narrow space and complex electromagnetic interference of TBM construction, traditional advanced geological prediction methods are difficult to effectively implemented. Based on extensive research, this paper conducted experimental studies on the advantages, disadvantages, and accuracy of different advanced geological prediction methods for TBM construction. The research results have broken through the limitations of traditional single prediction methods and established a comprehensive advanced geological prediction system for TBM construction in extremely complex geological environments. Moreover, this study proposed solutions for advanced geological prediction in complex geological environments such as wide faults and strong water abundance. Research conclusions: (1) The experimental results of groundwater detection under TBM construction conditions show that the induced polarization detection method is more accurate in predicting groundwater bodies. Moreover, this method has good suitability for TBM construction and can effectively solve the problem of groundwater detection in complex hydrogeological environment. (2) The suitability study of elastic wave reflection prediction methods in TBM construction environment shows that HSP and 3D seismic (SAP) methods are highly sensitive to unfavorable geological bodies such as fault fracture zones in extremely complex geological environments. Moreover, these two methods have less interference with tunnel construction and are more suitable for TBM construction environment. (3) The research results of this paper can be used to guide the advance geological prediction design and construction of TBM construction tunnel, and further reduce the construction risk. © 2023 Editorial Department of Journal of Railway Engineering Society. All rights reserved.