TBM-Mounted Virtual Reconstruction for Tunnel Surrounding Rock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional geological sketching methods for monitoring tunnel surrounding rock structures are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors, especially for long and large tunnels, relying heavily on manual operation and worker experience.
Innovation Solution
A TBM-mounted virtual reconstruction system comprising a data collection module, image processing module, image recognition module, and virtual reconstruction module, which automates the process of capturing, processing, and reconstructing surrounding rock images using laser rangefinders and deep learning techniques, allowing for remote control and virtual reality display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual geological sketching methods are used, then the sketcher can directly observe and record surrounding rock features, but the workload is great and construction time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sketching operations with an automated image acquisition and processing system. The system uses image acquisition apparatus mounted on the TBM to capture surrounding rock images, then automatically processes these images through projection transformation, cropping, and splicing operations to generate comprehensive rock structure maps, eliminating the need for manual sketching while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates accurate visual copies of the surrounding rock structure through systematic image capture and digital splicing. Multiple images taken at different positions are processed to form a complete virtual representation of the rock mass, which can be analyzed without requiring physical entry into the tunnel for repeated sketching.
2Measurement precision
If manual sketching is performed for long and large tunnels, then detailed rock structure can be recorded, but it takes a long time to enter and exit the tunnel repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous image acquisition as the TBM advances through the tunnel. The image acquisition apparatus is mounted on the TBM and continuously captures surrounding rock images during the tunneling process, eliminating the need for repeated entries and exits. The system processes images in real-time or near-real-time, maintaining continuous monitoring of rock structure throughout the tunnel length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the monitoring approach from one-dimensional linear sketching to three-dimensional spatial mapping. By capturing images from multiple positions and angles, then splicing them with distance information, the system creates a comprehensive 3D representation of the surrounding rock structure, allowing complete tunnel coverage without repeated physical entry.
3Ease of operation
If manual geological compass and hammer methods are used, then the sketcher can identify rock features, but false identification easily occurs for structural planes with large or small angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual geological compass and hammer measurements with automated image recognition and processing. The system captures high-resolution images of rock structures and uses projection transformation to accurately represent the spatial relationships of structural planes, eliminating subjective interpretation errors that occur with manual angle measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital image processing as an intermediary between the rock structure and the analyst. The projection transformation process acts as a mediator that accurately translates three-dimensional rock features into two-dimensional representations, preserving geometric relationships and eliminating the false identification problems associated with direct manual measurement of angled structures.
4Measurement precision
If the sketcher enters the tunnel for monitoring, then direct observation of surrounding rock is possible, but the sketcher is exposed to safety risks in the tunnel environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates complete virtual copies of the tunnel surrounding rock environment through systematic image acquisition and splicing. These digital representations allow comprehensive rock structure analysis to be performed remotely, eliminating the need for personnel to enter potentially hazardous tunnel environments while maintaining full observation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human observers in the tunnel with automated image acquisition apparatus mounted on the TBM. The system continuously captures rock structure images during tunneling operations, allowing monitoring to be performed from a safe remote location while eliminating exposure to tunnel safety risks such as rock falls, gas accumulation, and structural instability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances construction efficiency, reduces labor costs, and provides precise, objective data on surrounding rock features, enabling continuous monitoring and improved tunnel management without manual surveillance, while ensuring high precision and safety.
Implementation Method 1
several laser rangefinders are disposed on an edge of the carrier board
Implementation Method 2
obtain image information of surrounding rock
Data Source
AI summary
A TBM-mounted virtual reconstruction system and method for a tunnel surrounding rock structure, the method including: obtaining image information of surrounding rock; receiving the image information of the surrounding rock; transforming and splicing pictures taken at different angles, to form a complete image reflecting the surrounding rock; recognizing and describing a surrounding rock feature of the complete image, and transmitting the annotated image to a virtual reconstruction module; displaying the complete image with a description of the surrounding rock feature by using a virtual reality device, to reflect surrounding rock situations at different angles/different positions. This has the advantages of high equipment automation, not prolonging the construction time, not requiring the sketcher to enter the tunnel, precise surrounding rock feature parameters, and supporting remote control.