Numerical simulation of rock fragmentation process induced by two TBM cutters and cutter spacing optimization

Q. M. Gong, J. Zhao, A. M. Hefny

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

94 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

TBM performance depends on the rock breakage efficiency induced by TBM cutterhead. The rock breakage process is the interaction process between TBM and rock mass, which is affected by the TBM specifications, such as cutter thrust force, cutter tip width and profile, cutter spacing, revolution per minute, and torque, and rock mass properties mainly including rock material strength, rock brittleness index, joint spacing and orientation. In this study, rock chipping process induced by two TBM cutters was performed using the discrete element method (DEM). The chipping process is composed of formation of crushed zone, cracks initiation and propagation, side cracks coalescence and chip formation. The influence of the difference cutter spacing on the penetration process was also simulated by setting up a series of two dimensional UDEC models. The optimum cutter spacing on the Bukit Timah granite found in Singapore was identified to be about 100 mm provided the critical cutter thrust force can be reached.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)263
Number of pages1
JournalTunnelling and Underground Space Technology
Volume21
Issue number3-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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