ABSTRACT
The Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been widely used in civil engineering as well as various industrial fields to simulate granular materials. In this study, DEM was used to predict the performance of the earth pressure balance (EPB) shield TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine). For the analysis, EPB shield TBM with the diameter of 7.73 m was selected, having used previously for an excavation of the metro tunnel in Seoul. First, the ground modeling was conducted based on the result of the direct shear test simulation. Next, TBM 3D modeling composed of five parts (cutting tools, cutterhead, chamber, shield and screw auger) was carried out. Then, TBM excavation analysis will be performed. After that, the excavation performance indicators, such as cutter force at the cutterhead, thrust force, resistant torque will be estimated. Finally, we will compare the performance indicators obtained from numerical analysis with the maximum capacity of the real TBM design parameters selected for the numerical analysis.
