The orientation of joints significantly impacts TBM steering and guidance because joints represent planes of weakness within the rock mass. Joints oriented parallel or sub-parallel to the tunnel axis can cause the TBM to deviate from its intended path, as the machine tends to follow the path of least resistance. This can lead to deviations in both the horizontal and vertical alignment of the tunnel. Joints that are steeply dipping (nearly vertical) and perpendicular to the tunnel axis can cause instability at the tunnel face, making it diffi....
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