Evaluating the wear of cutting tools using a tunnel boring machine laboratory simulator

Abstract

Purpose. One of the most common problems in mechanized excavation is the cutting tool wear, which has a great impact on the final cost of the project and its duration. Also, one of the most important factors affecting the wear of cutting tools is the operating parameters of the tunnel boring machine (TBM). Within the framework of this research, a tunnel boring machine laboratory simulator was designed and constructed to investigate the tunnel excavation process in the laboratory. Methods. A few of the features of this device are that it operates horizontally, has a low rotation speed, keeps the pins in contact with fresh soil throughout the test, and has the possibility of measuring the torque of the device during the test. A study of the cutting tool wear was conducted using granulation prepared from Tabriz metro line 2, as well as using operating parameters of mechanized excavation machines, such as penetration rate and cutter head rotation speed. Findings. The research results showed that by reducing the rotation speed of the cutter head from 35 to 10 rpm, the average wear of cutting tools is reduced by 63%. Also, by reducing the excavation time from 80 to 10 minutes, the cutting tool wear is reduced by 58%. The wear of cutting tool increases with increasing moisture content from 0 to 10%, and then decreases with increasing moisture content from 10 to 25%. Originality. During this research, a new device was designed and built to simulate tunnel excavation mechanisms. This laboratory simulator measures wear percentage, penetration rate and torque. Practical implications. There has been significant progress in predicting soil abrasion rates, but there are few accepted models for predicting cutting tool wear and soil abrasion rates. During the design and construction of the tunnel boring machine laboratory simulator, the effect of operating parameters on wear of cutting tool was examined.

Research on Rock-Breaking Characteristics of Cutters and Matching of Cutter Spacing and Penetration for Tunnel Boring Machine

“…TBM excavation parameters and mode are relatively single and stable, and the construction technology is relatively simple. However, using TBM in soft-hard composite strata is prone to problems such as excessive wear and eccentric wear [6,7]. Improving the wear resistance and utilization rate of cutters through reasonable cutter selection and cutter spacing setting is one of the research focuses of TBM excavation in composite strata [8].…”