Analysis of the EPB-TBM excavation parameters used in a tunnel construction in Istanbul

Mechanical excavation methods have become widespread in the world and our country and importance of the selection of proper machine is getting increase for achieving efficient excavation. In this study, the excavation parameters of an EPB-TBM machine used in tunnel project which is purpose of collecting the waste water from Eyu¨p to Yenikapi in the ISKI Yenikapi Waste Water Plant were analyzed. During the machine passing under a river bed in the Gu¨ngo¨ren formation, seven ground samples were collected and sieve analyses were made. The ground of continuing, particle size distribution and ground conditioning type were examined by using sieve analysis. After the Gu¨ngo¨ren formation EPB-TBM was entered in the Trakya Formation and started excavation fractured and jointed claystone. During the excavation in this relatively harder formation, the machine was transformed from EPB to TBM mode, and then some of the wedge cutters were placed with disc cutters for increasing the efficiency of the excavation. During this period, analysis of the excavation parameters were made using the torque, thrust force and those penetration indexes, advance and penetration values rate. This study shows that data obtained from machine gives useful information about formation passing.