"Evaluation of the condition for the advanced distance based on the correlation between Disc Cutter Load Monitoring sensor data and TBM parameters"

The first and fundamental phase of the tunnel project is ground modeling which, starts with a desk study on local geology and continues with detailed ground investigation activities. Ground investigation works are of great importance as it is the main factor that determines investment and operating cost, tunnel alignment, the tunnel cross- section, and construction method. The parameters determined during the investigations are divided into three groups: geological, hydrogeological,geomorphological. During the ground investigation, gathering accurate geological data play a significant role in cost determination, risk control, and project design. However, current GI activities are not able to define the 100% correct geological model due to its constraints and complexity of ground. Hence, differences appear between the geological model developed based on the real soil parameters during the construction and the model developed based on the site investigation. These differences may increase project costs, change the alignment and general structure of the tunnel, and create new risks. Therefore, it is crucial to create a final geological model for the completed sections of the tunnel. This model is especially valuable for construction companies in terms of the difficulties that may be encountered and the extra costs these difficulties will cause. In this research, the applicability of the DCLM system, which is developed by Herrenknecht AG to monitor the cutting force, in ground modeling of the completed parts of the tunnel will be examined.