Modeling tunnel boring machine performance by neuro-fuzzy methods

This paper presents the results of a study into the application of neuro-fuzzy methods to model the performance of tunnel boring machines. A database consisting of over 640 TBM projects in rock has been used. It is shown that neuro-fuzzy methods give better results than other, more conventional, modeling approaches. Fuzzy set theory, fuzzy logic and neural networks techniques seem very well suited for typical geological engineering applications....