TBM tunneling in squeezing ground: Problems and solutions

The squeezing ground encountered in Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) tunneling presents great challenges and may trigger the potential hazards without warning. A detailed understanding of such unfavorable condition is therefore critical to a successful bored tunnel. In this paper, a brief review on the definition and the factors related to squeezing condition is presented. The main problems involved and the corresponding mitigation measurements for the TBM tunnelling under squeezing ground are discussed as well. Finally, further researches to be conducted for better coping with these problems are emphasized.