System and method for simultaneous excavation and segment erection of TBM by thrust shell

A thrust shell system for use in tunnel segmental lining by a TBM, the system comprising:

• a thrust can that moves within a gap between a trailing shield of said TBM and a new segmental ring,
• a thrust ring which has connections with a thrust can from one side and said thrust cylinders of said TBM from another side,
• wherein a plurality of circumferential plates connected to said thrust can by a plurality of hinges that are able to change position from horizontal to vertical by a plurality of springs that are connected to said circumferential plates from one side and said thrust can from another side,
• wherein said circumferential plates will be at a vertical position at a location of a previously erected segmental ring that have recesses at their outer perimeter of a trailing circumferential side to accommodate said plates at vertical position and provide space for said circumferential plates to transfer thrust load from said thrust can to said previously erected segmental lining, and
• wherein said circumferential plates will be at horizontal position while pulled back by said thrust can and rotating around said hinge while contacting with a slope portion of the recesses.