Papers by Keyword: Tunnel Boring Machine

Abstract: A digital mockup of hard rock tunnel boring machine was built in order to study the design method of these large equipments. Technology of digital mockup is introduced and the application background and practical requirement of tunnel boring machine has been discussed in this paper. The kinematics model and FEM model were built based on this digital mockup. The results of simulation experiment can be used to provide pre-feasibility validation and optimization of the equipment.

Abstract: Cutterheads and disc cutters are the key components of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) used to fulfill the rock-breaking task. In order to study the variation and distribution law of cutting forces induced by disc cutters on TBM cutterhead, a finite element model of rock-breaking process is established based on the extended Drucker-Prager yield criterion for rock and then the excavating process of cutterhead is simulated. The simulation results show that: in the rock fragmentation process, the rock-breaking forces are step changing; with the increase of installation radius, the vertical forces of inner and face cutters increase, while the lateral forces decrease; with the increase of installation angle, the vertical forces of edge disc cutters decrease, while the lateral forces increase; the mean total thrust and torque of cutterhead are 5418.2 kN and 1624.4 kN·m respectively, the simulation results are verified by engineering data.

Abstract: Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) is a major equipment used in underground engineering and Cutter disk system is its major parts, which affect sharply its capability. The force and vibration characteristics of the cutter system are simulated in this paper, and the effects of its force and vibration on the cutter system reliability are analyzed. These results show that there are the most stress and the worst reliability in these joints between the cutterhead and main driver, the cutterhead and the hob, and cutter ring. These research results are very helpful for increasing the reliability and application of the rock boring machine.

Abstract: Conventional control of tunnel boring machine can't achieve the ideal effect because of the complexity of its work process, uncertainty of construction environment. In order to solve the question, the intelligent control is expected. The neural network control has many characteristics such as self-adaption, self-organization, and can modify the corresponding parameters by learning about external knowledge, so it becomes research focus of tunnel boring machine control system in recent years. In this paper the advantage and disadvantage of several kinds of neural network used in the tunnel boring machine control are introduced, the development trends of tunnel boring machine control is predicted.

Abstract: In this paper, we present the modeling and dynamics simulation of a six-DOF tunnel segment erector for tunnel boring machine (TBM), which is performed in the virtual prototype platform. The 3D virtual assembling model of a tunnel segment erector is built based on Pro/E software according to its design parameters such as structure and size. After the interference inspection, the model is imported into ADAMS through the interface module of Mech/Pro. The model is simplified and optimized reasonably and various constraints are applied under variety working conditions. The results of simulation show that the design has six degrees of freedom movement capacity which meets the design requirements. At the same time the dynamics characteristics of drives and the forces of each part are obtained and they will provide a boundary condition for strength check and basis for the power system design which is important for the further optimal design.

Abstract: In order to solve the problems such as more restriction conditions, complicated interference and longer design periods in the design process of segment erector for Tunnel Boring Machine, it is necessary to study on the dynamics simulation of TBM segment erector. The 3D virtual assembling model of a tunnel segment erector is built based on Pro/E software according to its design parameters such as structure and size. The model is simplified and optimized reasonably and various constraints are applied under variety working conditions. The dynamics characteristics of drives and the forces of each part are obtained and they will provide a boundary condition for strength check and basis for the power system design which is important for the further optimal design. The simulation results also provide an important reference for the mechanism design and type selection design for the power system of segment erector and design cycle is shortened for TBM segment erector.

Abstract: The rock fragmentation process is the interaction process between TBM and rock mass, which is affected by TBM specifications, such as thrust force, cutter tip width and profile, cutter spacing, RPM, and torque, and rock mass properties mainly including rock material strength, rock brittleness, joint spacing and orientation. In this study, based on the systematic study of the existed rock constitutive model achievements and introduction of rock breaking mechanism, main failure mode of rock in the breaking process of disc cutter is added and revised in order to meet the actual situation. The method of establishing numerical model of disc cutter breaking process is introduced. After the dynamic simulation, we can obtain that geotechnical interface disturbance insulted by disc cutter. Based on plenty of experiments, it confirms reliability of numerical methods and provides a method to study cutting performance for different geological conditions.

Abstract: By using fracture mechanics theory of rock, the rock fragmentation mechanism of tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutters is analyzed and the analysis of forces of cutter is carried out. A new method to predict disc cutter specific energy for TBM is developed in this study. By using the dynamic models of TBM cutters interaction with the rock, specific energy prediction model for TBM cutter head is developed. The data from the actual tunnel construction is analyzed by using an example of Qinling tunnel and the comparison is made with the field data. The results indicate that the model developed in this study could not only replace the experiment to disc cutter specific energy for TBM, but also provide a theoretical basis for the performance prediction and optimal design of cutter head for TBM.

Abstract: In order to solve the problems such as more restriction conditions, complicated interference and longer design periods in the design process of segment erector for Tunnel Boring Machine, it is necessary to study on the kinematics simulation of TBM segment erector. First of all, the kinematics characteristics of segment erector are analyzed; the 3-D model is designed in Pro/E environment; the model is imported into ADAMS and the dynamic simulation is finished finally. After the analysis of simulation of this mechanism, the curves of the speed for the driving parts are obtained and the maximum speeds of driving parts are identified with the method of space search technology. The kinematics characteristics of TBM segment erector are obtained. The simulation results provide an important reference for the mechanism design and type selection design for the power system and design cycle is shortened for TBM segment erector.

Abstract: The stability control of surrounding rock is a relatively important problem in tunnel boring machine (TBM) construction. The tunnel convergence deformation value was monitored in field while TBM passing weak and broken section of hydraulic tunnel. The correlation between tunnel convergence and surrounding rock stability is analyzed. The monitoring results show that: the characteristic of weak and broken Strata is closely correlated with some geological conditions, such as fault development, intrusive contact of orthophyre and lamprophyre veins. These supporting measures can well ensure the stability of surrounding rock in weak and broken section, such as sealing the inverted arch by using concrete of C25,reinforcing the inverted arch by steel arch of I10 and anchor construction in the roof. There is great difference between the properties of the weak and broken rocks on both sides, which is the main reason of the large tunnel convergence deformation. The monitoring results can provide reference for similar engineering in the future.