Techno Press
Techno Press

Geomechanics and Engineering
  Volume 42, Number 3, August10 2025 , pages 179-189
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/gae.2025.42.3.179
 


Optimized ground settlement classification during TBM tunneling by combining machine learning with statistical analysis
Kibeom Kwon, Minkyu Kang, Dongku Kim, Khanh Pham and Hangseok Choi

 
Abstract
    Ground settlement management is crucial in tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations. Previous attempts to predict ground settlement have required substantial assumptions or information, complicating the explicit determination of their predictive criteria. This study developed an optimized system with simplicity and transparency for predicting ground settlements. By selecting three key features through correlation analysis and literature reviews, the optimized system was constructed to predict three settlement classes (heaving, normal, and large settlement) using a combination of machine learning and statistical analysis. The optimized system achieved an accuracy of 0.846, with recall values of 0.667 for heaving, 0.895 for normal, and 0.750 for large settlement. These results surpassed those of two comparison models that employed eight features and ensemble learning algorithms. Notably, the comparison models failed to correctly predict any instances of large settlement, highlighting the effectiveness of the optimized system in handling imbalanced datasets. Unlike conventional black-box models, the optimized system explicitly defined the predictive criteria. Moreover, among the four instances misclassified by the optimized system, three involved minor settlements within +-3 mm. The consistent decrease in accuracy when excluding each feature from the optimized system highlighted the importance of incorporating these features to accurately identify patterns in settlement predictions.
 
Key Words
    ground settlement; machine learning; optimized system; statistical analysis; tunnel boring machine
 
Address
Kibeom Kwon: Future and Fusion Lab of Architectural, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Korea University,
145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Minkyu Kang: Center for Defense Acquisition and Requirement Analysis, Korea Institute for Defense Analyses,
37 Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-871, Republic of Korea
Dongku Kim: Department of Geotechnical Engineering Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT),
283, Goyang-daero, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Khanh Pham: School of Civil Engineering and Management, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam;
Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hangseok Choi: School of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, Korea University,
145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
 

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