Key technologies of shield tunneling machine and present status and prospect of test rigs for tunneling simulation

It is very difficult to describe the external load and dynamic process accurately when a shield tunneling machine goes through complex and uncertain geological layers. The simulating experiment becomes necessary for perfecting the design and developing the new related technologies of shield tunneling machine. Reviewing six kinds of key technologies involved in the design and manufacturing of shield tunneling machines, the simulating method and the similarity in the tunneling experiment, this paper discussed the development progress and current status of test rigs embodying the advanced simulating experiment technology in detail. Combing with the project practice and future development, this paper also put forward the shortcomings of the existed test rigs. As a result, a new comprehensive test rig for shield tunneling machine was developed, which was characterized by multifunction, integration, a wide range of simulated geo-environments and small boundary effect.