HORIZONTAL CPTS FOR RECONNAISSANCE BEFORE THE TBM FRONT

During the construction of a tunnel by means of a TBM (tunnel boring machine), data on the subsoil geometry as well as the subsoil geotechnical parameters are needed. One way to get these is the execution of a horizontal cone penetration test (HCPT) through the front shield of the TBM. As a feasibility test a number of HCPTs was performed at different depths through the sheet pile wall of a construction pit. A second test consisted of 10 HCPTs performed from a 3 m (9.8 ft) diameter TBM. Operationally the HCPTs were performed without much difficulty. Comparison with vertical reference CPTs shows that the tip resistances are comparable. A theoretical analysis confirms that differences are to be expected between HCPTs and vertical CPTs but that the effects are limited. The horizontal variability in the soil appears to be comparable to the vertical variability which we usually ascribe to stratification. Future research should be directed to reduce the friction resistance on the CPT-rod in order to increase the penetration 'depth' to about 30 meters (98 ft) while keeping the push away force limited.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9058090477
• Corporate Authors:

  AA Balkema

  P.O. Box 1675
  Rotterdam,   Netherlands  BR-3000
• Authors:
  • van Deen, J K
  • Greeuw, G
  • van den Hondel, R
  • van Staveren, M T
  • Hoefsloot, FJM
  • Vanhout, B
• Conference:
  • Twelfth European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (Proceedings)
  • Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Date: 1999-6-7 to 1999-6-10
• Publication Date: 1999

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 2023-30

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cone penetrometers; Geotechnical engineering; Horizontal supports; Soil mechanics; Soil stabilization; Subsoil; Tunnel borers; Tunneling; Vertical supports
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00782177
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9058090477
• Report/Paper Numbers: Volume 3
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 19 2000 12:00AM