Abstract: Slurry performance is one of the key factors to maintain the stability of excavation face when slurry balance shield is tunneling in complex strata. Based on the engineering background of slurry shield tunneling in mudstone and gravel composite stratum of Nanning Metro Line 5, the control variable method and the self-made slurry shield tunneling system are adopted to compare and select the mud admixture and to analyze the influence of the admixture amount and the formation composite ratio on the slurry relative density. Then, the mud permeability law and the dynamic and static mud film forming law under different formation composite ratios, swelling water ratios and slag dosages are analyzed comprehensively by factorial design. The results show that different admixtures have significant influence on the properties of bentonite slurry. Specifically, potassium methyl silicate and potassium chloride can effectively reduce the relative density of slurry, while sodium chloride and sodium silicate can promote the disintegration of mudstone in water. In addition, the slag admixture can effectively reduce the water filtration, improving the film quality and reducing the consumption of bentonite. When the cutter head speed is less than or equal to 2.5 r/min, the formation rate of mud film is greater than or equal to the failure rate so as to ensure the stability of driving face. The mud swelling water ratio suitable for mudstone and gravel composite stratum (composite ratio: 0?1) is 0.1?0.20, the residue content is 100?200 g/kg, and the potassium methyl silicate is 3.75%?7.50%.

Key words: mud modification, penetration test, water filtration, mud relative density, slurry balance shield