Measurement while drilling technology for tunnel construction

• Data-driven identification of rock properties ahead of the tunnel front
• Development of sensors and artificial intelligence algorithm

Rock mass conditions uncertainties are a major source of challenges in TBM and underground infrastructure planning. There is a strong potential in bringing and adapting MWD (measurement while drilling) from the drilling industry to the rock mass characterization in TBM works.

Case studies exist where the MWD technology was used to predict rock mass conditions and showed a good correlation between MWD outputs and geotechnical parameters (Fracture Index/Q-Index). MWD recordings may include penetration rate, percussive pressure, feed pressure, rotation pressure, rotation speed, damping pressure, flushing flow and is performed at high resolution (cm). (See e.g. Atlas Copco’s Underground Manager MWD).

The use of MWD is expected to anticipate rock mass conditions ahead of the tunneling face and thereby reducing uncertainties and risks associated (and therefore costs) with the partly known geology and geotechnical conditions ahead.

There is a challenge to inform the tunnelling at the relevant scale and to build a consistent set of algorithm and data to obtain meaningful correlation between scale-relevant geotechnical parameters and MWD outputs for example using machine learning or the development of new sensors.

We are open to any companies’ proposals.

Not in E-TEST.

Peter Gier
AGIT DE – p.gier@agit.de

Matthias Grosch
NMWP.NRW DE – matthias.grosch@nmwp.de

Michel Stassart
Skywin BE – michel.stassart@skywin.be

Annick Pierrard
ULiège BE – a.pierrard@uliege.be

Maxime Corvilain
POM Limburg BE – maxime.corvilain@pomlimburg.be

René Kessen
LIOF NL – rene.kessen@liof.nl

Florian Amann
RWTH Aachen DE – amann@lih.rwth-aachen.de