Hard Rock Tunnelling: A Generalized Model for Estimating TBM Performance and Disc Cutter Wear Life

Faculty Development Competitive Research Grant Program 2021-2023

Mechanized excavation refers to method of rock breakage where the rock is entirely removed from face by the action of mechanical boring/cutting tools. The excavation method has become increasingly common, especially in underground mining and civil construction. Mechanized rock excavation is traditionally compared to drill and blast operation. The characteristic advantages of mechanical excavation are increased safety, higher production rate, less labor intensive operation, higher degree of automation, minimum damage to the walls, better control over the process, uniformity of product size, elimination of blast vibrations, and better ventilation in underground openings. The most common types of mechanized excavators are tunnel boring machines (TBMs), roadheader, raise boring machine (RBM), continuous miner, and longwall drum shear to be used for either civil or mining construction.