TBM performance and rock mass classification
Abstract
As late as 1993, Nelson was able to write that ‘the geotechnical engineering profession clearly does not have a recommended method for quantitative estimation of the effects of rock mass variations on TBM penetration rate’. Yet rock mass characteristics generally influence overall tunnel boring machine performance more than the laboratory properties of the rock matrix because utilisation of the machine can be so severely affected in adverse conditions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Tunneling and Rock Mechanics
Rock Mechanics and Modeling
Geotechnical Engineering and Analysis
Publication details
- Journal / source
- CRC Press eBooks
- Pages
- 39–44
- Publication date
- 19 January 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter