Utilizing Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM)-Crushed Limestone as a Construction Material

Tunnel boring machine (TBM) materials are usually crushed powder obtained during tunnel excavations for subways and transportation networks. Huge quantities of crushed rock powder are generally treated as waste. This study is aimed at assessing proposed mixtures of TBM and granular material for use in construction. This approach will help in a greener environment and reduce the need for crushed aggregates used in sub-base and subgrade layers of pavements. Assessment is executed using dynamic and static strength tests, including the modulus of resilience and the California bearing ratio (CBR). The TBM-crushed material can be sorted and screened on site to optimize its use as a construction material. The blending ratios for the 3/8-inch aggregate (G1) to the material-passing sieve number 4 (P4) were found to influence the pavement design parameters. This study recommends sorting the TBM-crushed limestone by an on-site sieving operation. A guide to optimizing the quality of the material is suggested by blending 3/8-inch aggregate with the crushed limestone fine-powder material at a specified percentage ranging from 5 to 10% by weight. The stability and durability tests conducted on the TBM-crushed powder material confirmed its suitability as a pavement construction material for subgrade and sub-base layers. Modulus of resilience, CBR values and compressive strength tests were carried out for different suggested mixtures.

Automated summary

This study assesses the use of tunnel boring machine (TBM) materials and granular materials in construction, and examines the impact of blending ratios on pavement design parameters. The study recommends on-site sieving and blending 3/8-inch aggregate with crushed limestone fine-powder material to optimize material quality. Stability and durability tests confirm the suitability of TBM-crushed powder material for subgrade and sub-base layers in pavement construction.