Evaluation of cutting efficiency during TBM disc cutter excavation within a Korean granitic rock using linear-cutting-machine testing and photogrammetric measurement

In TBM excavation, estimation of cutting performance is of great importance in design stage as well as during construction. The performance is highly dependent on the geological conditions, i.e. characteristics of rock and discontinuities, and operational conditions, i.e. selection of cutter, cutting forces, cutter spacing, etc. For performance estimation, full scale test is most reliable and accurate since it takes full advantage of using real cutter and real size specimen. Linear cutting machine (LCM) is usually used for a full size test to evaluate the cutting performance. This paper presents the results of LCM tests carried out under various cutting conditions to assess the cutting performance of a TBM disc cutter for granitic rock in Korea. In LCM test, the excavated rock volume was determined by ShapeMetrix3D photogrammetric measurement system. This system was employed to ensure the accurate determination of cutting volume and subsequently calculated specific energy (SE). The optimum cutting condition for the Korean granitic rock was obtained at the minimum value of SE. In addition, three-dimensional numerical analysis was performed to simulate the rock cutting behavior in the LCM test. The results of the numerical simulation were closely comparable with the results of the LCM test. This study presents the cutting performance of a disc cutter by LCM test for a Korean granitic rock and demonstrates the applicability of numerical analysis as an alternative for the prediction of the cutting performance.

► The cutting efficiency of a TBM disc cutter in a granitic rock was investigated.
► LCM tests were carried out, and photogrammetric measurements were employed.
► Photogrammetric measurements enable accurate estimates of the LCM results.
► The numerical simulation demonstrates the usefulness in assessing TBM performance.