Investigating the effect of disc cutter wear on the performance of the mechanized tunnel boring machine (case study, lot 2 of the Kani Sib water transfer tunnel)

Sabri, Mansour; Vahidi, Hassan; Rostami, Mohammad; Zonobi, Ali

Investigating the effect of disc cutter wear on the performance of the mechanized tunnel boring machine (case study, lot 2 of the Kani Sib water transfer tunnel)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mansour Sabri ¹

Hassan Vahidi ²

Mohammad Rostami ³

Ali Zonobi ⁴

¹ Faculty of Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University

² Kani Sib water conveyance tunnel project manager, Fater Institute

³ Powerholding manager

⁴ Fater Institute manager, powerholding

Abstract

The wear of the disc cutter results in an increase in contact area with the rock, so when the wearing of the cutter exceeds its maximum limits, it should be replaced. However, this is not done on time because of cost concerns. Thus, this study will investigate the effects of disc cutter wear on tunnel boring machines (TBMs) operational parameters such as thrust force, torque, penetration rate, and specific energy as well as how it impacts advance rate and project time. for this goal, the hard rock TBM parameters of the Kani Sib water conveyance tunnel have been studied after the replacement of worn disc cutters. The results show that the average thrust force decreases by 11%, while the torque increases by 2%. Furthermore, an average increase of 25% in penetration rate can also be observed. The reduction of specific energy is also significant. This means that by changing worn disc cutters on time, excavation time is reduced, excavation efficiency is improved, and final costs are reduced significantly.

Keywords

Disc cutter wear

Thrust force

Penetration depth

TBM performance