Abstract: The waste slurry generated by urban shield tunneling faces challenges such as limited dewatering sites and high direct transportation costs by vehicles. A case study of the Lianghu tunnel in Wuhan, China, is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of the long-distance pipeline transportation of slurry. Laboratory tests and field data collection are carried out, and a high-precision friction loss calculation formula is recommended. Based on energy consumption analysis, the optimal slurry conveying density is proposed. Subsequently, a long-distance pipeline transport configuration scheme is developed, the theoretical output is calculated, recommended construction parameters are optimized, and the scheme′s feasibility is demonstrated. The results reveal the following: (1) The influence of slurry rheological properties should be considered when calculating friction resistance, as maintaining a suitable high concentration reduces transport energy consumption. (2) Long-distance pipeline transport technology for shield tunneling waste slurry is feasible from an engineering perspective: a multi-booster-pump transport scheme effectively meets waste slurry transport requirements. (3) Selecting appropriate operating parameters ensures effective waste slurry transport, reduces construction energy consumption, enhances the adaptability of the transport system, and improves construction efficiency.

Key words: shield tunnel, waste slurry, pipe flow, friction resistance, specific energy consumption, booster pump