Effect of slurry clogging phenomena on the face stability of slurry-shield tunnels

In this paper, the slurry penetration was assessed by soil-filter clogging theory to understand the theological characteristics. The coefficient of fine particle deposition, represented as an indicator of slurry clogging during tunnel construction, was estimated through several series of modeling experiments. Experimental results showed that the ratio of infiltration velocity to the coefficient of particle deposition was reciprocally proportional to the penetration distance and proportional to the stability of tunnel face. It was also found that the critical d(10) which needs the special additive was 0.75 mm. In addition, considering the advance rate of tunnelling in stability analyses, the study was further to find the relationship between the tunnel advance rate and the stability of working face due to slurry penetration.