Simulation of non-spherical slurry particle infiltration in a sand column

Abstract Slurry infiltration and filter cake formation are crucial for excavation stability in slurry shield tunnelling. This paper introduces a numerical model of slurry pressure balance (SPB) tunnelling, allowing slurry infiltration in a horizontal orientation. Coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD)–discrete element method (DEM) numerical simulations were carried out to compare the SPB tunnelling model and a laboratory column test model, revealing differences in infiltration distance, permeability, and fluid properties. The SPB tunnelling model captures a larger infiltration distance and range and a higher permeability. Fluid pressure dissipates faster in the SPB tunnelling model, leading to rapid velocity drops and quicker infiltration. The SPB tunnelling model provides more representative insights into the slurry infiltration range than a laboratory column test model.