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Shield Tunneling: Air-Cushioned Slurry Balanced Shield Machine

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Masudur Rahman Akbari
Shield Tunneling: Air-Cushioned Slurry Balanced Shield Machine


Shield Machine



Shield tunneling is an underground construction technique used to drive tunnels using a shield machine. This method is ideal when soft soils and groundwater conditions exist, making it the preferred tunneling method for many projects. Shield machines, sometimes called a slurry balanced shield, utilize an air-cushioned slurry to maintain the pressure required to keep the tunnel face open for advance excavation. This method is particularly effective for difficult or deep, large diameter tunneling projects.

History of Shield Machines



Shield machines were first developed in 1808, by Marc Isambard Brunel. He utilized a shield that was called the “Great Shield” to drive a tunnel under the Thames in London, UK. The shield proved to be effective and eventually became the standard for many years in soft soils.

Two major advances in shield technology occurred during the 19th century when 1) shields with tensioned steel faces were developed, and 2) shields with mineral fluids for lubrication and pressurization developed, including the development of the air-cushioned slurry balance shield.

In the 20th century, great strides were made in the manufacture of shield machines and major advances were made in shield machine fabrication, design, and operation. Today, shield machines are now highly reliable and can meet the demands of the most difficult tunneling projects.

Components of Shield Machines



Shield machines consist of several essential components, including the main frame, power and control systems, propulsion systems, cutting tools, and the spoil bucket. The main frame is the main structural component of the shield and it encases the tunneler, creating an enclosed construction space. This is where the propulsion and cutting components are mounted.

Power and control systems are responsible for controlling the entire machine, allowing operators to effectively manage direction and speed of the machine while working. Propulsion systems provide the forward and backward thrust that advances the machine. Cutting tools are the drill bits that are used to grind away the ground surface to create a tunnel opening. Finally, the spoil bucket is the attachment that holds the muck that is produced by the cutting tool.

Air-Cushioned Slurry Balanced Shield Machines



Air-cushioned slurry balanced shield machines are a type of shield machine that are particularly well-suited for difficult tunneling projects. The air-cushioned slurry balance shield machine utilizes an inlet pipe to feed a slurry of cement and bentonite or polymer grout beneath the main frame of the shield. This slurry produces a cushion that protects the walls of the shield from the pressurized soil and water. This cushion also helps to maintain the shape of the tunnel walls, providing greater stability and safety for the workers involved in the tunneling process.

The slurry can also be used to pressurize the surrounding soil in order to keep the excavation face open while the shield is moving. This makes the tunneling process even more efficient, allowing for rapid and accurate excavation.

Conclusion



Shield tunneling is an efficient and safe way to construct tunnels when conditions such as soft soils and groundwater are present. Shield machines have been used in tunneling projects since the early 19th century, with continuous advances being made in their design and operation.

Air-cushioned slurry balanced shield machines are an effective type of shield machines that utilizes an inlet pipe to feed a slurry of cement and bentonite or polymer grout beneath the main frame of the shield. This allows for greater stability and safety for the personnel involved in the project as well as more efficient and accurate excavation. Shield tunneling offers a variety of benefits over traditional tunneling, making it the preferred method for many difficult or deep, large diameter tunneling projects.
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