- Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Mechanised tunnelling is an established flexible and efficient technology for the construction of underground infrastructure, characterised by a dynamic advancement of tunnel boring technologies, increasing TBM diameters and a broadening range of applicability. This rapid development in association with the inherent heterogeneity of the underground and the uncertainty of ground parameters, poses new challenges to reliable prognosis models. Such models are indispensible for the limitation of tunnelling risks in the design and construction phases, particularly if difficult conditions in terms of geology or tunnelling have to be considered.
Considering this background, the subject of the Collaborative Research Centre is the research and development of models, methods and design concepts, which, when adequately interlinked, can deal with the manifold complex interactions of the components (ground, shield machine, support measures, tunnel lining, existing buildings) and processes (advancing and excavation process, construction operation) involved in mechanised tunnelling. The goal of the Collaborative Research Centre is to enable more efficient, low risk and environmentally friendly solutions in the design and construction of shield supported tunnels.
The four project areas of the Collaborative Research Centre will consider all essential components and processes involved in the design and in the construction phase. This includes the ground exploration and ground modelling, the tunnel boring machine, the lining systems, the various supporting measures and the effects of tunnelling on existing structures. Furthermore, the cutting and advancement processes will be represented by adequate models integrated by means of a consistent Collaborative Research Centre wide information management system.
- Klaus Hackl
- Tamara Nestorovic
- Daniel Balzani
- Rolf Breitenbücher