Numerical Simulation of EPB Shield Tunnelling with TBM Operational Condition Control Using Coupled DEM–FDM

This study demonstrates a three-dimensional numerical simulation of earth pressure balance (EPB) shield tunnelling using a coupled discrete element method (DEM) and a finite difference method (FDM). The analysis adopted the actual size of a spoke-type EPB shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) consisting of a cutter head with cutting tools, working chamber, screw conveyor, and shield. For the coupled model to reproduce the in situ ground condition, the ground formation was generated partially using the DEM (for the limited domain influenced by excavation), with the rest of the domain being composed of FDM grids. In the DEM domain, contact parameters of particles were calibrated via a series of large-scale triaxial test analyses. The model simulated tunnelling as the TBM operational conditions were controlled. The penetration rate and the rotational speed of the screw conveyor were automatically adjusted as the TBM advanced to prevent the generation of excessive or insufficient torque, thrust force, or chamber pressure. Accordingly, these parameters were maintained consistently around their set operational ranges during excavation. The simulation results show that the proposed numerical model based on DEM–FDM coupling could reasonably simulate EPB driving while considering the TBM operational conditions.