基于协同破岩的TBM刀盘优化策略

岩石隧道掘进机工作时的刀具受力情况是影响刀盘破岩性能的关键。为了分析滚刀之间的协同破岩效应,提出3种基本的协同破岩模式,并将多把滚刀协同破岩过程等效为3种破岩模式的组合。不同破岩模式下,滚刀切割岩石的先后顺序不同,结合线性切割试验,证实了不同模式下3种滚刀力等级的大小关系。以引汉济渭岭北隧洞TBM工程为背景,研究得出名义磨损量与破岩模式的叠加效应具有较强的相关性,其中,由内而外模式占比与滚刀名义磨损量具有明显的正相关性,据此提出了考虑刀具磨损量的TBM刀盘刀具优化策略。     

Prediction of thrust and torque requirements of TBMs with fuzzy logic models

For successful tunnel excavations, selection of proper tunnel boring machine (TBM), optimization of design parameters and prediction of their performance are critical. Normal and rolling forces of disc cutters are used for determination of thrust, torque and power requirement of TBMs as well as prediction of their performance. Much research has been conducted to predict these parameters of disc cutters using analytical, empirical and numerical approaches. In recent years alternative methods, such as fuzzy logic, have been extensively used to deal with subjects having ambiguities and uncertainties. A model was established to predict normal forces of constant cross section (CCS) disc cutters in the rock cutting process by using fuzzy logic method. The other model which predicts specific energy requirement of disc cutter can also be used for predicting the rolling forces of these cutters. These models are based on experience and verified the database which consists of linear cutting test results generated at the Earth Mechanics Institute of the Colorado School of Mines. The models predict forces of disc cutters using uniaxial compressive and tensile strength of rocks, disc diameter and tip width, penetration and spacing of cuts.     

盾构隧道施工盘形滚刀推力分布规律研究

 盾构掘进时,刀盘由油缸推压到工作面上,滚刀与岩石之间产生相互作用。为研究各滚刀推力分布规律,分析影响滚刀与岩石相互作用的影响因素,指出掘进过程中滚刀推力分布主要与岩石刚度有关。假设滚刀与岩石弹性点接触,建立刀盘与岩石相互作用的三维弹性支点力学模型并进行了简化,运用有限元方法对其进行分析与比较。研究表明,刀盘上各滚刀的推力分布并不均匀,滚刀布置稀少处的推力较高,面刀推力均比边刀推力高出40%～60%。相同的刀盘形式,滚刀布置方式不同,其推力分布差异较大。最后,运用蒙特卡罗有限元方法,分析岩石刚度变化对滚刀推力分布的影响,岩石越软,滚刀推力分布越均匀;反之,滚刀推力分布的均匀性越差。在硬地层中掘进时,个别推力高的滚刀磨损严重,换刀频繁,影响了施工进度。因此,该部位的滚刀布置值得进一步研究。     

Theoretical prediction of wear of disc cutters in tunnel boring machine and its application

Predicting the cutter consumption and the exact time to replace the worn-out cutters in tunneling projects constructed with tunnel boring machine (TBM) is always a challenging issue. In this paper, we focus on the analyses of cutter motion in the rock breaking process and trajectory of rock breaking point on the cutter edge in rocks. The analytical expressions of the length of face along which the breaking point moves and the length of spiral trajectory of the maximum penetration point are derived. Through observation of rock breaking process of disc cutters as well as analysis of disc rock interaction, the following concepts are proposed: the arc length theory of predicting wear extent of inner and center cutters, and the spiral theory of predicting wear extent of gage and transition cutters. Data obtained from 5621 m-long Qinling tunnel reveal that among 39 disc cutters, the relative errors between cumulatively predicted and measured wear values for nine cutters are larger than 20%, while approximately 76.9% of total cutters have the relative errors less than 20%. The proposed method could offer a new attempt to predict the disc cutter's wear extent and changing time.     

Tunnelling through a frequently changing and mixed ground: A case history in Singapore

The Kranji tunnel is part of the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System in Singapore. It is approximately 12.6 km in length. Along the tunnel alignment, all the ground is composed of granite with different weathering grades (from fresh rock to residual soil). The changing ground from hard rock to mixed face and soft ground (and vice versa) at the tunnel level was anticipated. The tunnel depth along the route is between 15 m and 50 m. Two EPB TBMs were deployed at this tunnel with a bored diameter 4.90 m. These machines were designed so that both hard rock and soft ground could be excavated. The cutter head was equipped with a combination of both rippers and disc cutters. During the excavation, it was found that the frequency of the ground change between hard rock and residual soil is much higher than that expected. Due to the frequently changing ground, correspondingly the tunnel boring machine (TBM) operation mode had to be transferred frequently from hard rock tunnelling to transition mode and to earth pressure balance (EPB) close mode. It resulted in great difficulties for the TBM in an optimized operation condition. These difficulties included high cutter wear and flat cutters, tunnel face instability, water inflow at weathering interface, and time delays. In order to overcome these problems and speed up the tunnelling progress, the TBM used in the north drive was modified to attempt the frequently changing ground. The performance of the modified TBM was highly improved. However, the highly abrasive and frequently changing mixed face ground still caused high cutter wear, especially flat cutter wear. These posed many challenges to the equipment and the tunnel crew.     

TBM滚刀破岩动态特性与最优刀间距研究

在对实际工况合理简化的基础上,从岩土细观角度出发,采用颗粒离散元法建立滚刀侵入岩体的二维模拟模型,研究双滚刀作用下岩体的动态响应机制,找出滚刀侵入过程中岩体裂纹、贯入度以及切削力三者的关系。在此基础上,通过数值模拟对常见切深下滚刀最优刀间距问题进行分析,得到不同切深下比能耗与刀间距的规律,并通过试验对双滚刀破岩过程中岩体动态特性以及最优刀间距问题进行验证,最后以工程实例验证研究结论。研究表明：仿真过程中,切削力随贯入度的变化与岩体的跃进破碎特性相一致,岩体破坏服从格里菲斯理论;较小切深下岩体为剪切破坏,较大切深下岩体发生拉应力破坏;切深为10 mm时比能耗有明显拐点,此时刀间距为100 mm;切深为6 mm时,60 mm刀间距下比能耗最小;切深小于2 mm时,实际工况下岩体不能产生贯穿裂纹。     

Mechanical performance of TBM cutterhead in mixed rock ground conditions

The mechanical performance of TBM cutterhead including thrust, torque, eccentric force and overturning moment was calculated and analysed in different mixed rock ground conditions. The calculation model was built by identifying the rock type under each cutter using a ray intersection algorithm and calculating the cutting forces of each cutter using the CSM model. The mixed rock ground conditions were simplified as rock type distribution and rock strength classification. In the present paper, the rock distributions of the Layer-Banded Rock (LBR) and Random-Distributed Rock (RDR) types were considered. The influences of rock strength (Uniaxial Compressive Strength: UCS, Brazilian Tensile Strength: BTS), rock locations and number of rock layers were studied. For verification, a boring experiment was designed and conducted using an experimental cutterhead with 14 disc cutters. The rock box was poured with concrete C20, C40 and C60 layer by layer to prepare the LBR condition. The average torque and thrust of the calculation model and experiment were in good agreement. Some conclusions were drawn from the study on the rock strength, rock locations, area percentages of different rock layers and number of rock layers. And hence, some suggestions were proposed to enhance the tunnelling efficiency and reduce damage to the cutterhead.     

基于耦合FDM-DEM方法的TBM滚刀最优化研究

为确定TBM盘型滚刀的最优布置,结合有限差分法(FDM)和离散元法(DEM)的优点,采用FDM-DEM耦合的数值模拟方法,对不同刀间距和贯入度条件下TBM双滚刀破岩过程进行三维动态仿真模拟,分析研究了不同滚刀配置对岩石破碎效果的影响。为了验证所提出方法的可行性和准确性,利用线性切割机(LCM)对科罗拉多红色花岗岩进行了切割试验,通过对比分析线性切割试验数据,验证了所提出方法的可行性。数值模拟结果表明：对于科罗拉多红色花岗,滚刀法向力和切向力会随着刀间距和贯入度比值的增加先减少后增大,当刀间距和贯入度的比值为20左右,滚刀法向力和切向力最小。线性切割试验和数值模拟结果均表明,当间距和贯入度的比值在17～20左右,岩石切割的比能量最低,此时TBM切割效率最高。文章提出方法的方法可以为TBM滚刀刀头配置提供重要依据。     

简单复合岩体中TBM多滚刀破岩机理离散元分析

采用引入考虑胶结尺寸的微观接触模型的PFC^2D离散元软件,对全断面岩石掘进机（TBM）盘形滚刀作用下简单形式的复合岩体破岩机理进行数值模拟研究。进行了单滚刀、双滚刀和三滚刀作用下的复合岩体破碎过程的模拟。模拟结果表明：滚刀破岩过程可以分为三个阶段：加载阶段、卸载阶段和残余跃进阶段。通过双滚刀和三滚刀侵入复合岩体的推力-侵深曲线分析,软岩上的滚刀比硬岩上的滚刀进入各阶段稍慢,略有滞后;不同滚刀间的峰值法向推力相差较大,易造成滚刀磨损。对于花岗岩-绿片岩复合岩体,破岩时接触力链被岩体分界面分割,硬岩区胶结破坏数目较多,双滚刀、三滚刀侵入时易形成贯通裂缝;破岩效率由大到小为双滚刀效率、三滚刀效率、单滚刀效率,而且双滚刀能够将效率提高一倍左右。     

不同围压条件下TBM刀具破岩模式的数值研究

为了研究不同围压条件下TBM刀具在掘进施工过程中的破岩机理,基于2-D离散单元法,利用UDEC仿真软件建立了双把TBM刀具侵入岩石的仿真模型。在此基础上设计了一组数值试验,成功地模拟出了不同围压条件以及不同刀间距下岩石裂纹生成,扩展和岩石破碎的全过程。仿真结果表明：TBM刀具作用下岩石存在四种基本的破碎模式,它们的出现与围压以及刀间距有关;破碎模式对刀具的破岩效率,岩石破碎块度均有影响;随着围压的增加,最优刀间距增大,但围压超过一定值后,最优刀间距反而减小。     

掘进机刀盘滚刀间距对北山花岗岩破岩效率的影响实验研究

掘进机(TBM)开挖隧道过程中,其刀盘上滚刀间距设计的合适与否关系着破岩效率的高低。由于岩石非均匀、非连续、各项异性的特性,使用数值模拟方法研究滚刀破岩过程存在局限性。现场掘进实验主要是针对特定的掘进机做出机械运行参数优化,无法研究不同刀间距对破岩的影响。全尺寸滚刀破岩实验可以人为调整刀间距,且实验中采用大体积岩石可以避免尺寸效应的影响,因此受到了广泛的关注。采用北京工业大学自制的机械破岩试验平台,安装17英寸(432 mm)盘形滚刀,选取尺寸为1000 mm×1000 mm×600 mm的北山完整花岗岩试样,进行了5组刀间距的线性切割试验。实验中采集滚刀三向力,分层收集岩片且对其进行称重。对不同刀间距作用下的平均法向力、平均滚动力和比能进行了分析研究。当贯入度较小时,刀间距对平均法向力和平均滚动力的影响都不明显,随着贯入度的增加,刀间距对平均法向力和平均滚动力的影响增加。对于所有的刀间距而言,增加贯入度会产生更多的岩片,但并不一定会提高破岩效率,对于北山花岗岩而言,当刀间距与贯入度的比值为30左右时,比能值最低,此时破岩效率最高。     

Effect of replacing disc cutters with chisel tools on performance of a TBM in difficult ground conditions

A summary of a research program covering a period of two years on the performance of a TBM in a very complex and difficult geology is presented in this study. The formations in the study area varied from alluvium, sludge, mudstone, shale and limestone to quartzite with strengths from soft to very hard. The dykes frequently intruded the sedimentary rocks resulting in different degrees of weathering and fracturing in the country rock causing tremendous delays in progress rate of the TBM. The disc cutters started cutting inefficiently in clayey medium strength ground with extreme water income, at where also excessive disc consumptions started due to insufficient friction between the disc cutters and very soft (sludgy) formation, and it was decided to replace all disc cutters with chisel tools (ripper, scraper). Before making this important decision that could affect totally the excavation efficiency and production rate, some theoretical estimations were performed using the Evans’ cutting theory after some modifications based on the previous experimental studies for relieved cutting mode and wear flat, front ridge and vee-bottom angles found in complex shapes of chisel tools to estimate deterministically the torque and thrust requirements of the TBM.Field measurements of the torque and thrust requirements of the TBM equipped with the chisel tools validated the theoretical considerations and the deterministic model used for predicting the performance. Statistical analysis indicated that the model could be used reliably for performance prediction. This study also gave a unique opportunity to compare the performance of disc cutters and chisel tools used on the same TBM at variety of grounds and to analyze the effect of replacing disc cutters with chisel tools on the performance of the TBM. The field measurements indicated that the chisel tools were superior to the disc cutters in especially soft to medium strength rocks.     

Correlation of rock cutting tests with field performance of a TBM in a highly fractured rock formation: A case study in Kozyatagi-Kadikoy metro tunnel,Turkey

This paper presents and discusses detailed field and laboratory studies concerning boreability prediction of tunnel boring machines (TBMs) used in Kozyatagi-Kadikoy metro tunnels in Istanbul in a highly fractured rock formation. The determination of some design parameters and performance prediction of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) are carried out using full-scale rock cutting test. The intact rock samples having minimum sizes of 1.0 × 0.7 × 0.7 m are obtained from shale and limestone (Kartal Formation) along the tunnel line. The rock samples are subjected to full-scale laboratory rock cutting tests with different depth of cut and cutter spacing values using a constant cross section (CCS) disc cutter of 330 mm in diameter. Cutter forces, i.e., thrust force, rolling force and specific energy values are recorded for each cut. The results of the tests are first used to calculate TBM design and performance parameters such as torque and thrust requirements and cutting rates. In the second part of the research, the field performance of the TBM is recorded with the aid of data acquisition system installed within TBM and the predicted performance and design values obtained from full-scale rock cutting tests are compared with the field values. It is observed that fractured characteristics of the rock formation affect tremendously TBM performance and predicted values differ from the field data in some extend. It is believed that the results will serve as a guide for efficient selection and use of TBMs.     

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.     

An experimental research on the rock cutting process of the gage cutters for rock tunnel boring machine (TBM)

This paper proposed an experimental method to investigate the rock cutting process of TBM gage cutters based on the full-scale rotary cutting machine (RCM). The key point of this method is to reconstruct the RCM by inserting three wedges with angles of 10°, 20° and 30° respectively into the space between the cutter base and cutter box. As a result, the rock cutting process of gage cutters with tilt angles of 10°, 20° and 30° can be proceed. Using this method, rock cutting experiments were conducted with penetrations of 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm and 8 mm respectively. The testing results were analysed on the rock cutting force, rock debris dimension, specific energy and cutting surface profile, and it was found that: (1) the cutting forces and specific energy of the gage cutter were lower than those of the normal cutter respectively; and (2) the depth of the rock broken zone was smaller than the cutting depth. The testing results can also be used to validate corresponding numerical models and design the layout of gage cutters.     

自由面对滚刀破岩机制影响的数值模拟研究

为了研究自由面对滚刀破岩机理的影响,运用UDEC方法建立了滚刀贯切岩石的二维数值系列模型,对TBM滚刀破岩过程进行了仿真。分析表明：在合理的刀间距和贯人度情况下,破碎坑自由面的存在使裂纹扩展能耗降低,裂纹密度增大,起裂方式增多,容易实现体积破碎,提高滚刀破岩效率。     

不同刀具配置下隧道掘进机高效破岩机理与推力预估

为解决隧道掘进机刀盘刀具破岩的安全性、可靠性、高效性这一隧道掘进机施工难题,从高效破岩机理和刀盘刀具与围岩耦合作用规律两个方面进行了研究,对单刀及多刀破岩理论体系进行了完善。结合理论分析和滚刀岩机作用综合实验台上的实验结果,提出了红砂岩、石灰岩和花岗岩等3种常见岩石的最优破岩刀间距,并给出了当岩石强度位于40～170 MPa之间时的最优刀间距计算式。综合考虑各种因素对隧道掘进机总推力、刀盘扭矩的影响,提出了复合式隧道掘进机总推力、刀盘扭矩估算的理论公式。通过工程实例验证,该理论计算式具有较高的科学性和精确性。研究成果可直接用于刀具选型布置、推力、扭矩设计,从而降低隧道掘进机的制造成本、提高施工效率。     

Influence of rock brittleness on TBM penetration rate in Singapore granite

Brittleness is one of the most important rock properties, which affects the rock fragmentation process induced by TBM cutters, and then the TBM penetration rate. This paper presents the different measurements of rock brittleness. The ratio of uniaxial compressive strength to Brazilian tensile strength was adopted to quantify the rock brittleness. By the laboratory tests, the brittleness indices of more than 100 samples cored in Bukit Timah granite along the tunnel alignments of T05 and T06 tunnels of DTSS in Singapore were obtained. The brittleness index varies in a large range from less than 10 to more than 25. The tendency shows that the brittleness index decreases with the increase of the weathering grade of granite. A series of models were then set up to simulate the effect of rock brittleness on rock fragmentation process using UDEC. With the decrease of the brittleness index, the crushed zone decreases and the number and length of the main cracks outside the crushed zone also decrease. It is obvious that with the increase of the rock brittleness index the cutter indentation process gets easier. Through the statistical analysis of correlation between rock mass properties and the corresponding TBM performance in tunnel projects, it was noted that TBM penetration rate increases with increasing rock brittleness, which is consistency with the numerical simulation results.     

围压下掘进机多滚刀顺次破岩机理数值模拟研究

基于统计力学与细观损伤数值模型,运用RFPA^2D建立三把滚刀顺次侵入岩石的计算模型,并展开系列数值试验,模拟了岩石在不同围压、不同加刀次序下裂纹萌生、扩展以及破碎的全过程,并从能量的角度出发对刀间距的优化问题展开了探讨。研究结果表明,滚刀相位角的存在对岩石的破碎模式和破碎效率有着重要的影响;滚刀顺次加刀优于同时加刀;围压增大,裂纹向深部扩展能力降低。相同围压下顺次加载时存在最优刀间距。同时加载时,随着围压的增加,最优刀间距逐渐增加。研究结果可为地下工程岩石破碎理论与隧道掘进机刀盘布置提供依据。     

Study on the influence of joint spacing on rock fragmentation under TBM cutter by linear cutting test

Joint spacing is one of the most important geological factors influencing rock fragmentation by TBM cutters and TBM performance. In order to study the influence of joint spacing, full-scale linear cutting tests have been conducted for the Beishan granite samples with different joint spacing (i.e. one intact sample, two jointed samples with joint spacing of 100 mm and 400 mm). For different joint spacing, the influence of penetration depth on rock fragmentation was also explored by varying the penetration depth with an interval of 0.5 mm. During the test process, the three directional forces acting on the TBM cutter were recorded, and the rock chips formed by each cutting pass were weighed, respectively. By analysing the cutting force, crack initiation/propagation and rock chips, the influences of joint spacing on rock fragmentation process by TBM cutter were investigated. The test results showed that the increase of penetration depth cannot improve the TBM breakage efficiency after reaching a certain value for the intact rock sample, and the normal force for intruding the intact rock is larger than that for intruding the rock jointed samples. It is also found that the sample part below the joint plane is intact, thus joint can restrain the crack propagating cross the joint plane and facilitates the chips formation on the cutting surface. For the rock sample with joint spacing of 100 mm, two rock fragmentation modes were found during the cutting process. One mode is that the cracks initiate from the crushed zone under TBM cutter, and the cracks propagate to the joint plane, consequently form large rock chips. The other one is that the cracks initiate from the joint plane and then propagate to the rock cutting surface, and the cracks initiate before the formation of the crushed zone under the cutter. For the rock sample with joint spacing of 400 mm, there are two rock fragmentation stages, i.e., the normal rock fragmentation stage and the joint-controlled rock fragmentation stage. There is a transitional process between these two stages, and also the median crack can be promoted to propagate vertically to joint plane due to the joint existence. This study can provide useful guidance for operation optimization and performance prediction for TBM operating in jointed rock masses.