On the face support of microtunnelling TBMs

[Display omitted] •Face stability of micro-tunnelling TBMs in non-cohesive soils is discussed.•The influence of infiltration and soft overburden on stability are studied.•Criteria to prevent liquefaction of loose sands are established. Face stability of microtunnelling TBMs is an important aspect for a safe and controlled project execution. Lack of proper face support can lead to sudden collapse with resulting large settlements. Guidelines for minimal and maximal support pressures in most codes do not take the infiltration of bentonite suspension in coarser soils into account. Infiltration lowers the effectiveness of the face support. In loose sands infiltration can lead to excess pore pressures and induce liquefaction, with possible catastrophic consequences. This paper investigates the influence of infiltration and gives some guidelines for a proper selection of bentonite suspensions based on soil gradation.