Geological Constraints and Geotechnical Issues in Mechanized Tunnelling

Speaker: Dr Paul Marinos the 2010 Jahns Distinguished Lecturer

Friday 3^rd September 2010 from 5pm

Tara Ball Room; The Irish Club 175 Elizabeth Street Brisbane

Following the presentation everyone is invited to join the speaker for networking with drinks and finger foods (provided by the sponsors).

Synopsis:

Mechanized tunnelling is evolving dramatically and every year constraints are reduced and TBM tunnelling is applied in new geological situations. Progressing from homogeneous, stable rocks through heterogeneous formation and unstable rocks, today the positive control of the face, or dealing with squeezing ground, constitute a great advance. Tomorrow we can expect the same TBM for any type of ground: the universal TBM. In conventional tunnelling, adjustments can be made even in the case of significant unforeseen changes of the geological conditions. On the contrary, mechanized tunnelling depends subversively on the geological conditions and the choice of the correct machine and operating mode is critical.

Geological factors are discussed regarding both the type of geomaterial and its development in space, and the ground water conditions. The key issues for the choice of the appropriate TBM are the stability of the tunnel walls, the stability of the face and the control of surface settlements (for urban tunnels).  The discussion on the selection covers all types of full face machines: open rock TBM, shielded TBM (single or double shield), TBM with pressurized face (notably slurry or earth pressure balance). Particular geological conditions are given special attention, such as alternations and severe changes of the geological material with radically different quality along the alignment, fault zones, karstic conditions, squeezing ground, rock bursting of strong rock under high overburden.  In the final choice possible adjustments and arrangements of the operational elements of the machine can be considered to deal with site specific geological conditions. A number of case histories and the way problems from unforeseen geological conditions were faced will be presented.

About the Speaker: Dr Paul Marinos has received several awards, including the Hans Cloos medal of IAEG, and the Andre Dumont medal of the Geological Society of Belgium. He was selected for the presentation of named lectures, including the 6^th Glossop Lecture in London (2002), the 19^th Rocha Lecture in Lisbon (2002), the 33^rd Cross Canada Lectures Tour (2005), and the Rock Mechanics Annual Lecture in Madrid (2006). This year Dr Paul Marinos has been named the 2010 Jahns Distinguished Lecturer.

This Event is kindly sponsored by Jacobs Associates & BOSFA

RSVP Required by Wednesday 1^st September for Catering

To register please email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 07 3832 3749

Professional Development: Engineers Australia members participating in AGS/ATS technical sessions can record attendance on their personal CPD logs. Members should refer to Engineers Australia CPD policy for details on CPD types, requirements and auditing guidelines.