• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.55-77
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• 2012

A Modern Rock TBM is a tunnel excavation method combining the conventional tunnelling method with the mechanized tunnelling method. It is a hybrid system that excavates a tunnel with TBM and supports the ground by ring beam, wire mesh, rock bolt, shotcrete, i.e., conventional tunnelling method. In the Modern Rock TBM, a ring beam is similar to a steel rib in NATM in the way that uses H-beam. But using a ring beam is more effective than a steel rib because it is installed in a closed-circle. Therefore, improving the performance of the ring beam is a key factor for achieving tunnel stability. In this respect, this study introduces a pressurized ring beam that might be functioning more effectively by confining convergence during tunnel excavation. In order to verify the effect of the pressurized ring beam, a three-dimensional numerical analysis was conducted. The numerical analysis confirms an increase in the minimum principal stress and reduction in the plastic strain that triggers excessive displacement. The analysis result also indicates a decrease in the relative displacement occurring after installing the ring beam, and expansion in spacing between the ring beams.