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The Si-Eng
Si's civil engineering blog
All original by Si Shen.
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TBM thrust estimation
A TBM advances by thrusting against the built segments through an array of cylinders around the circumference. This thrust is a design...
Si Shen
Mar 42 min read
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Scale factors of large diameter TBM-built tunnels
Tunnel is a place where size matters. As a tunnel gets bigger in diameter comes a raft of challenges, some construction related, some...
Si Shen
Jan 253 min read
216 views
0 comments

Tips for complex analytical modelling in civil engineering
This blogpost shares a few tips about modelling from personal experience
Si Shen
Jul 13, 20243 min read
226 views
0 comments


Properties of slurry for TBM tunnelling
What is slurry used in TBM tunnelling? The slurry used in TBM tunnelling is basically a water-based suspension fluid with added solids...
Si Shen
Jun 29, 20242 min read
217 views
1 comment


How high density slurry help mitigate tunnelling risks
Why slurry can support tunnel face? The reason why slurry can be used as an effective medium of face support, is because of the ‘filter...
Si Shen
May 25, 20242 min read
132 views
0 comments


TBM face intervention
Once the TBM gets started, it usually stops from time to time for a procedure called ‘face intervention’
Si Shen
Feb 28, 20232 min read
552 views
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TBM selection in rock conditions
For tunnelling operations in self-standing ground, three arch-types of TBMs can be used: open, single shield and double shield
Si Shen
Jan 6, 20234 min read
505 views
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Annulus grouting behind tunnel segments
Annulus grouting (also called back grouting or tail-skin grouting) is the grouting around the tunnel annulus – the backfilling of the gap...
Si Shen
Aug 7, 20222 min read
724 views
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Tunnel segment geometry (1)
main consideration factors around the segment thickness, radial length and longitudinal length
Si Shen
May 15, 20222 min read
492 views
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TBM selection under specific scenarios
pros and cons between EPB TBMs and slurry TBMs under specific scenarios of consideration
Si Shen
Apr 12, 20222 min read
227 views
0 comments


Convergence confinement method (3)
This blog will complete this series by discussing some practical uses of the Convergence-Confinement theory
Si Shen
Jan 31, 20223 min read
234 views
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Convergence confinement method (2)
the in-situ stress of the ground will be shared between the ground itself and the supporting structure once the tunnel is done
Si Shen
Jan 12, 20222 min read
259 views
0 comments


Convergence confinement method (1)
What convergence and what confinement? Convergence-Confinement is a well-known theory in tunnelling, and widely applicable regardless of...
Si Shen
Jan 3, 20223 min read
671 views
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TBM selection - EPB and Slurry
Selecting the ‘right’ TBM is all about maximising efficiency and minimising risk
Si Shen
Oct 25, 20214 min read
4,070 views
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Instrumentation and monitoring - an overview
Instrumentation and monitoring is an essential link of risk management in the cycle of design and construction
Si Shen
Aug 9, 20214 min read
212 views
0 comments


Ground water in underground construction
groundwater is a thorny problem for almost all underground constructions
Si Shen
Jun 7, 20213 min read
383 views
0 comments


Sprayed concrete – what’s special about it?
This post is a study note based on various sources rather than professional advice, and may not be reflective of the most up-to-date...
Si Shen
May 2, 20214 min read
84 views
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Top 5 unique challenges of designing underground structures
In the underground world, being apparently accurate in the calculation process is usually meaningless.
Si Shen
Mar 9, 20213 min read
141 views
0 comments


Fire engineering for concrete structures
This blog post outlines the overall fire engineering approach and touches on some basic principles.
Si Shen
Dec 27, 20204 min read
201 views
0 comments


What structural engineers need to know about waterproofing membrane
the membrane is a delicate thing and requires a lot of careful detailing and handling.
Si Shen
Aug 26, 20201 min read
253 views
0 comments
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