Counter-force system and method for inhibiting mudstone stratum shield tunneling floating
By installing a reaction system in the tunnel boring machine (TBM), the reaction components actively support the mudstone strata, and the system monitors and adjusts in real time, thus solving the tunnel quality problem caused by the TBM floating and improving the accuracy and safety of construction.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202512013807.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies often cause quality problems such as tunnel axis displacement and segment misalignment when tunneling in mudstone strata due to the floating of the machine body. Furthermore, passive adjustment measures are slow to respond and have limited effectiveness.
A reaction system is adopted, including a reinforced structure and reaction components. By monitoring the attitude of the tunnel boring machine in real time, the reaction components actively support the mudstone strata and provide downward reaction torque or force. Combined with closed-loop control logic, dynamic adjustments are made to overcome the upward floating trend.
It effectively reduces tunnel axis deviation and segment misalignment, improves construction quality and safety, achieves active suppression, has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and has significant effects.
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Figure CN121556875A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnels, and in particular to a reaction system and method for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata. Background Technology
[0002] The shield tunneling method is currently the mainstream method for tunnel construction in urban subways, integrated utility tunnels, and other projects. When traversing soft strata such as mudstone and strongly weathered rock, the shield tunneling machine often faces the technical challenge of "floating" during the excavation process due to the low strength, easy softening upon contact with water, and significant rheological properties of these strata.
[0003] The main reason for the shield machine's upward movement is that the outer diameter of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is usually larger than the outer diameter of the tunnel segments, creating a natural "structural void" between the shield and the ground. In mudstone strata, this void is not easily filled in a timely and effective manner, resulting in less ground pressure on the upper part of the TBM compared to the lower part, creating an upward combined force. Simultaneously, the vertical components of the force, such as the TBM's own weight and the thrust of the propulsion jacks, may exacerbate this trend. Shield upward movement leads to a series of quality problems, including misalignment of the tunnel axis, segment misalignment, cracking, and water leakage, seriously affecting construction safety, quality, and schedule.
[0004] Currently, conventional measures to control shield tunneling float mainly include: optimizing tunneling parameters (such as controlling thrust and speed) and grouting control (such as using early-strength grout and controlling synchronous grouting pressure and quantity). However, these methods are mostly passive adjustments with delayed response and limited effectiveness in complex geological conditions. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems of existing measures for suppressing shield tunneling uplift in mudstone strata, including optimizing tunneling parameters and grouting control, which have slow response and limited effectiveness under complex geological conditions. This invention provides a reaction force system and method for suppressing shield tunneling uplift in mudstone strata.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a reaction force system for suppressing the uplift of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone strata, comprising a reinforcing structure and a reaction force component; the reinforcing structure is disposed within the shield body of the tunnel boring machine; the reaction force component is installed on top of the reinforcing structure, and the reaction force component can extend out of the shield shell of the tunnel boring machine and support the mudstone strata, or can retract into the shield shell; the reinforcing structure is used to uniformly transmit the reaction force provided by the reaction force component to the tunnel boring machine.
[0007] The reaction system described in this invention for suppressing the upward movement of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in mudstone strata actively supports the mudstone strata, thereby pressing the TBM down to overcome upward movement. The reinforcing structure evenly transmits the downward pressure to avoid stress concentration, transforming the passive adjustment of existing technologies into active suppression. This effectively reduces tunnel axis deviation, segment misalignment, and damage, significantly improving tunnel construction quality and safety. The reaction system has a simple structure, is easy to use, and has good results.
[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the reaction force component includes at least one jack, and the end of the piston rod of the jack is connected to a support shoe plate, which is used to contact the mudstone ground surface.
[0009] As a further preferred technical solution of the present invention, the reaction force component includes a plurality of jacks, all of which are spaced apart along the circumference of the tunnel boring machine.
[0010] As a further preferred technical solution of the present invention, the piston rod and the support shoe plate are hinged together.
[0011] As a further preferred technical solution of the present invention, the support shoe plate is arc-shaped and adapted to the surface of the mudstone strata.
[0012] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the support shoe plate is connected to an elastic wear-resistant pad.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the reaction force system for suppressing the uplift of the shield tunneling machine in mudstone strata further includes a control system installed inside the shield machine. The control system includes an attitude monitoring unit, a sensor assembly, and a control cabinet. The attitude monitoring unit is used to monitor the pitch angle and vertical axis deviation of the shield machine in real time. The sensor assembly is used to monitor the pressure and extension displacement of the reaction force assembly in real time, and the sensor assembly is electrically connected to the reaction force assembly. The control cabinet is electrically connected to the attitude monitoring unit, the sensor assembly, and the reaction force assembly. The control cabinet receives signals from the attitude monitoring unit and the sensor assembly and controls the action of the reaction force assembly.
[0014] As a further preferred technical solution of the present invention, the attitude monitoring unit includes an inclinometer and a gyroscope.
[0015] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor and a displacement sensor.
[0016] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for suppressing the uplift of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone strata, utilizing a reaction force system for suppressing the uplift of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone strata as described in any of the above claims, the method comprising: Real-time monitoring of the tunnel boring machine's attitude data during the tunneling process; When monitoring data indicates that the tunnel boring machine is trending upward or has already begun to rise, the control system activates the reaction force component, which presses against the mudstone strata above and applies a downward reaction force Fr to the tunnel boring machine. Based on the real-time feedback of attitude data and the data of the reaction force component, the jacking force of the reaction force component is dynamically adjusted until the attitude of the tunnel boring machine returns to normal.
[0017] The method for suppressing the upward movement of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone formations, as described in this invention, uses a control system that controls the action of the reaction force component based on the real-time attitude data of the shield machine and closed-loop control logic. This system can respond to the upward movement trend of the shield machine in real time and dynamically, with high control precision. The method is simple, easy to operate, and effective.
[0018] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. The reaction system for suppressing the upward movement of shield tunneling in mudstone strata, as described in this invention, actively supports the mudstone strata through the reaction components, thereby pressing down the shield machine to overcome upward movement. The reinforcing structure evenly transmits the downward pressure to avoid stress concentration, transforming the passive adjustment of existing technologies into active suppression. This effectively reduces tunnel axis deviation, segment misalignment and damage, and significantly improves tunnel construction quality and safety. The reaction system has a simple structure, is easy to use, and has good results. 2. The method for suppressing the upward movement of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone strata as described in this invention, wherein the control system controls the action of the reaction force component based on the real-time attitude data of the shield machine and closed-loop control logic, can respond to the upward trend of the shield machine in real time and dynamically, with high control precision, and the method is simple in steps, convenient to operate, and effective. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is an elevation view of the installation location of this application within the tunnel boring machine; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the AA section; Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the working principle of this application.
[0020] Marked in the image: 1-Shield tunneling machine main unit; 2-Shield shell; 3-Cutterhead; 4-Tube segments; 5-Building gaps; 6-Mudstone strata; 7-Reaction force assembly; 8-jack; 9-Piston rod; 10-Supporting shoe plate; 11-Strengthen the structure; 12-Control System; 13 - Attitude monitoring unit; 14-Sensor assembly; 15-Control cabinet; 16-Hydraulic power unit. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to experimental examples and specific embodiments. However, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the above-mentioned subject matter of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0022] Unless otherwise specified, the use of terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" to indicate orientation or positional relationships in the description of specific embodiments of the present invention is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product / equipment / device is typically placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the present invention or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a particular device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.
[0023] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," and "parallel" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, or parallel, but rather that it can be slightly tilted or have a deviation. For example, "horizontal" merely means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be completely horizontal, but that it can be slightly tilted. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when set in a "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," or "parallel" direction, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.
[0024] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.
[0025] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "several", "more than", and "a number of" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, and can even exceed nine.
[0026] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "provided with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.
[0027] Existing technologies for suppressing shield tunneling uplift in mudstone strata include optimizing tunneling parameters (such as controlling thrust and speed) and grouting control (such as using early-strength grout and controlling synchronous grouting pressure and volume). However, these methods are mostly passive adjustments with delayed response and limited effectiveness in complex geological conditions. Therefore, the technical solution of this application was developed, which is described below in conjunction with... Figures 1 to 3 To elaborate.
[0028] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the reaction system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to the present invention includes a reinforcing structure 11, a reaction component 7, and a control system 12.
[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is excavating in the mudstone stratum 6. The TBM includes a TBM host 1, a cutterhead 3, and a shield body. The TBM host 1 is located inside the shield body, and the cutterhead 3 is located at the front end of the shield body. The TBM host 1 is connected to and drives the cutterhead 3 to rotate. The outermost part of the shield body is the shield shell 2. The reinforcing structure 11 is installed inside the shield body. The tail section of the shield body is used to install the tunnel segments 4. There is a construction gap 5 between the shield shell 2 and the mudstone stratum 6.
[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the reaction force component 7 is installed on top of the reinforcing structure 11. The reaction force component 7 and the reinforcing structure 11 are located in the middle and rear part of the shield body to the tail section (this is the stable area behind the center of gravity of the tunnel boring machine, avoiding the main equipment installation area). The reaction force component 7 can extend out of the shield shell 2 of the tunnel boring machine and be supported on the mudstone stratum 6, or it can retract into the shield shell 2. The reinforcing structure 11 is used to uniformly transfer the reaction force provided by the reaction force component 7 to the tunnel boring machine.
[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the reaction force assembly 7 includes a hydraulic power unit 16 and at least one jack 8. The end of the piston rod 9 of the jack 8 is connected to a support shoe plate 10. The support shoe plate 10 is used to contact the mudstone stratum 6. The shield shell 2 is provided with a through hole corresponding to the support shoe plate 10. The hydraulic power unit 16 is used to provide hydraulic oil to the jack 8.
[0032] In some optional embodiments, the reaction force assembly 7 includes a plurality of jacks 8 forming a jack group, with all the jacks 8 spaced apart circumferentially along the tunnel boring machine. Specifically, in this embodiment, as... Figure 2 The example illustrates that the reaction force component 7 includes three jacks 8, one of which is installed at the top of the reinforcing structure 11, and the other two jacks 8 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the top jack 8, that is, the three jacks 8 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the tunnel boring machine.
[0033] In an optional embodiment, the piston rod 9 and the support shoe plate 10 are hinged together. The support shoe plate 10 is arc-shaped and adapted to the surface of the mudstone stratum 6. An elastic wear-resistant pad is connected to the outer surface of the support shoe plate 10 to better fit the surface of the mudstone stratum 6.
[0034] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the control system 12 is located inside the tunnel boring machine. The control system 12 includes an attitude monitoring unit 13, a sensor assembly 14, and a control cabinet 15.
[0035] The attitude monitoring unit 13 is used to monitor the pitch angle and vertical axis deviation of the tunnel boring machine in real time. In this embodiment, the attitude monitoring unit 13 includes an inclinometer and a gyroscope. When the pitch angle is continuously positive (the machine head is tilted upward) or the vertical deviation exceeds the set threshold, a control action is triggered.
[0036] The control cabinet 15 is electrically connected to the attitude monitoring unit 13, the sensor assembly 14, and the reaction force assembly 7. The control cabinet 15 receives signals from the attitude monitoring unit 13 and the sensor assembly 14, and controls the action of the reaction force assembly 7. In this embodiment, the control cabinet 15 includes a PLC or an industrial control computer, and the control cabinet 15 is communicatively connected to the main control system of the tunnel boring machine. The processor in the control cabinet 15 calculates the total suppressive force to be applied based on the magnitude and rate of change of the deviation monitored by the attitude monitoring unit 13, through preset control logic (generally using a shield floating algorithm, which has various existing technologies, which will not be described in detail in this embodiment), and distributes it to each of the jacks 8.
[0037] The sensor assembly 14 is used to monitor the pressure and extension displacement of the reaction force assembly 7 in real time. The sensor assembly 14 is electrically connected to the reaction force assembly 7. In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 14 includes a pressure sensor and a displacement sensor. The sensor assembly 14 integrated on the jack 8 feeds back the real-time data to the control cabinet 15 to form a closed-loop control, dynamically adjusting the jacking force of the jack 8 so that the shield machine's attitude is restored and stabilized within the allowable range.
[0038] The working principle of this application is as follows: During the tunnel boring machine (TBM) excavation process, the control system 12 monitors the TBM's attitude in real time. When the control system 12 detects that the TBM is showing an upward trend or has actually risen, the control system 12 immediately issues a command to drive the reaction force component 7 to extend and support the mudstone stratum 6. According to Newton's third law, the mudstone stratum 6 applies a downward reaction force Fr to the reaction force component 7. This reaction force is transmitted to the main structure of the TBM through the reaction force component 7 and the reinforcing structure 11, thereby generating an active, downward inhibiting torque or direct inhibiting force on the TBM, effectively counteracting the upward buoyancy force Ff caused by the stratum, and "pressing" the TBM back to the design axis.
[0039] This embodiment describes a reaction force system for suppressing the uplift of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) in mudstone strata. The reaction force component 7 actively supports the mudstone strata 6, pressing the TBM downwards to overcome uplift. The reinforcing structure 11 evenly distributes the downward pressure to avoid stress concentration, transforming the passive adjustment of existing technologies into active suppression. This effectively reduces tunnel axis deviation, segment misalignment, and damage, significantly improving tunnel construction quality and safety. The system directly applies a downward reaction force at the uplift source point (the middle and rear of the shield body), with a clear mechanical path and immediate suppression effect. Through linkage with the TBM's main control system, fully automatic closed-loop control can be achieved, reducing the burden on operators and improving the level of intelligent construction. This reaction force system has a simple structure, is easy to use, and has good performance.
[0040] Example 2 like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the present invention provides a method for suppressing the uplift of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone strata, utilizing a reaction force system for suppressing the uplift of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone strata as described in Example 1. The method includes: When tunneling begins, the piston rod 9 of the jack 8 is in a retracted state, the support shoe plate 10 is located inside the shield shell 2, and the attitude monitoring unit 13 monitors the attitude data of the tunnel boring machine in real time during the tunneling process.
[0041] When monitoring data indicates that the tunnel boring machine has an upward trend or has already risen, the control system 12 is activated, the control cabinet 15 sends a command to the reaction force component 7, the piston rod 9 of the jack 8 drives the support shoe plate 10 to extend out of the shield shell 2, the support shoe plate 10 contacts and presses against the mudstone stratum 6 above, and applies a downward reaction force Fr to the tunnel boring machine.
[0042] During continuous tunneling, the jacking force of the jack 8 is dynamically adjusted based on the attitude data fed back in real time by the attitude monitoring unit 13 and the data of the reaction force component 7 detected by the sensor component 14, until the attitude of the tunnel boring machine returns to normal, thus achieving stable and precise attitude control.
[0043] After the assembly cycle of the segment 4 is completed or the risk of floating is confirmed to be eliminated, the control cabinet 15 controls the piston rod 9 of the jack 8 to retract, and the support shoe plate 10 retracts into the shield shell 2.
[0044] The method described in this embodiment for suppressing the upward movement of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone formations involves a control system 12 that controls the action of the reaction force component 7 based on the real-time attitude data of the shield machine and closed-loop control logic. This system can respond to the upward movement trend of the shield machine in real time and dynamically, with high control precision. The method is simple, easy to operate, and effective.
[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A reaction system for suppressing the uplift of a shield tunneling machine in mudstone strata, characterized in that, include: The reinforcing structure (11) is installed inside the shield of the tunnel boring machine; The reaction component (7) is installed on top of the reinforcing structure (11). The reaction component (7) can extend out of the shield shell (2) of the tunnel boring machine and be supported on the mudstone stratum (6), or it can retract into the shield shell (2). The reinforcing structure (11) is used to uniformly transmit the reaction force provided by the reaction force component (7) to the tunnel boring machine.
2. The reaction system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction force assembly (7) includes at least one jack (8), the end of the piston rod (9) of the jack (8) is connected to a support shoe plate (10), the support shoe plate (10) is used to contact the mudstone stratum (6) surface.
3. The reaction system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reaction force component (7) includes a plurality of jacks (8), all of which are spaced apart along the circumference of the tunnel boring machine.
4. The reaction system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to claim 2, characterized in that, The piston rod (9) and the support shoe plate (10) are hinged together.
5. The reaction system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support boot plate (10) is arc-shaped and adapted to the surface of the mudstone strata (6).
6. The reaction system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the support boot plate (10) is connected to an elastic wear-resistant pad.
7. The reaction force system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, It also includes a control system (12) located inside the tunnel boring machine, the control system (12) comprising: The attitude monitoring unit (13) is used to monitor the pitch angle and vertical axis deviation of the tunnel boring machine in real time. A sensor assembly (14) is used to monitor the pressure and extension displacement of the reaction force assembly (7) in real time, and the sensor assembly (14) is electrically connected to the reaction force assembly (7); The control cabinet (15) is electrically connected to the attitude monitoring unit (13), the sensor assembly (14) and the reaction force assembly (7). The control cabinet (15) receives signals from the attitude monitoring unit (13) and the sensor assembly (14) and controls the action of the reaction force assembly (7).
8. The reaction system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to claim 7, characterized in that, The attitude monitoring unit (13) includes an inclinometer and a gyroscope.
9. The reaction system for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sensor assembly (14) includes a pressure sensor and a displacement sensor.
10. A method for suppressing the uplift of shield tunneling in mudstone strata, characterized in that, The method, utilizing the reaction system for suppressing uplift during shield tunneling in mudstone formations as described in any one of claims 7-9, comprises: Real-time monitoring of the tunnel boring machine's attitude data during the tunneling process; When monitoring data indicates that the tunnel boring machine has an upward trend or has already risen, the control system (12) activates the reaction force component (7), which presses against the mudstone stratum (6) above and applies a downward reaction force Fr to the tunnel boring machine; Based on the real-time feedback of attitude data and the data of the reaction force component (7), the jacking force of the reaction force component (7) is dynamically adjusted until the attitude of the tunnel boring machine returns to normal.