ABSTRACT
In the absence of reserved transfer corridors at operating subway stations, the transfer nodes often necessitate the direct intersection of newly constructed tunnels with the Reinforced Concrete (RC) obstacles of the operating stations, which poses significant challenges to the existing stations and the construction of newly built tunnels. This paper presents a case study on the identification and management of main challenges during the construction of the shield cutting RC diaphragm walls and piles directly at a certain section of Line 6 of Suzhou Rail Transit. And the site observation on driving parameters, cutterhead performance and structural deformation was carried out after completion of the project. The results indicate employing a mixed cutter configuration consisting of tearing and rolling cutters, coupled with the soft soil foundation reinforcement and the optimization of driving parameters (a slow advance rate at 2~3 mm/min and intermediate rotation speed at 0.6~0.7 rpm), ensures the safe implementation of shield cutting RC diaphragm walls and piles directly and consecutively. Experiences obtained from this project can provide effective reference for analogous cases.
