Introducing the concept of fracture index for performance prediction of hard rock TBMs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to introduce the concept of fracture index for performance prediction of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) in excavation of rock tunnels, and to examine the influence of rock fracture intensity and its frequency on machine performance. For this purpose, field data from six tunneling projects excavated by TBM were examined. The database included more than six hundred data points. The fracture index, which represents the fracture count over an arbitrary length of scanline or borehole core with similar intensity of fracturing, provides an insight into the fracturing and joint frequency and state of rock masses. The analysis shows that fracture index can offer a critical quantification of rock mass cuttability, and can heavily impact mechanized rock excavation process, and significantly affect TBM performance.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNew Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering - Proceedings of the ISRM Rock Mechanics Symposium, EUROCK 2024
EditorsRoberto Tomás, Miguel Cano, Adrián Riquelme, José Luis Pastor, David Benavente, Salvador Ordóñez
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages1513-1519
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9781032551449
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 15 2024
EventISRM European Rock Mechanics Symposium, EUROCK 2024 - Alicante, Spain
Duration: Jul 15 2024 → …

Publication series

NameNew Challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering - Proceedings of the ISRM Rock Mechanics Symposium, EUROCK 2024

Conference

ConferenceISRM European Rock Mechanics Symposium, EUROCK 2024
Country/TerritorySpain
CityAlicante
Period7/15/24 → …

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geology
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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