Abstract

As a key component of tunnel boring machines (TBMs), the disc cutter ring and its structural parameters are closely related to the TBM tunneling quality. Literature review shows that investigations on optimization design methods for cutter ring structure are seriously insufficient. Therefore, in this paper, a multiobjective optimization design model of structural parameters for disc cutter rings is developed based on the complex geological conditions and the corresponding cutter ring structure design requirements. The rock breaking capability, energy consumption, load-bearing capability, wear life, and wear uniformity of disc cutter are selected as the objectives, and the geometric structure of cutter rings, ultimate load-bearing capability, and cutterhead drive performance are determined as constraints. According to the characteristics of this model, a self-adaptive multipopulation genetic algorithm (SAMPGA) is utilized to solve the optimization problem, and the Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process (FAHP) is employed to calculate weight coefficients for multiple objectives. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated through a case study in a TBM project. The results indicated that the rock breaking performance and service life of the disc cutter are improved after optimization by using the proposed method. The utilization of SAMPGA effectively solves the premature local convergence problems during optimization. The geological adaptability should be considered in the cutter ring structure design, which can be realized by using the proposed method based on the suitable weight coefficients.

Highlights

  • With the rapid development of tunnel constructions, tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are widely employed in tunnel excavation due to their high excavation efficiency, excellent safety, and less ground disturbance [1, 2]

  • A multiobjective optimization design method for structural parameters of cutter ring is developed by combining an self-adaptive multipopulation genetic algorithm (SAMPGA) and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), and the conclusions are drawn as follows: (1) Based on the complex geological conditions and the corresponding cutter ring structure design requirements, a multiobjective optimization model is established to design the structural parameters of disc cutter ring. e rock breaking capability, energy consumption, load-bearing capability, wear life, and wear uniformity of disc cutter are selected as the objectives, and the geometric structure of cutter ring, ultimate load-bearing capability, and cutterhead drive performance are determined as constraints

  • An SAMPGA is utilized to deal with the optimization problem, and FAHP is employed to combine the multiple objectives into a single objective function

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Summary

Introduction

With the rapid development of tunnel constructions, tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are widely employed in tunnel excavation due to their high excavation efficiency, excellent safety, and less ground disturbance [1, 2]. Disc cutters mounted on TBM cutterhead are the main rock breaking tools, and cutter rings interact with and cut rocks directly during the TBM tunneling process [3, 4]. When tunneling in the complex and harsh geological conditions, the cutter ring suffers from high contact stress and strong impact vibration. If the structural design of the cutter ring is unreasonable, it will limit the rock breaking capability and efficiency of the disc cutter and cause serious wear and breakage failure of the cutter ring, which will significantly affect the tunneling efficiency and construction cost of the TBM project. Most of the existing cutter ring designs are based on engineering experience or adopt commonly used dimensions specified by several well-known cutter manufacturers. Relevant optimization design method for structural parameters of TBM disc cutter ring is rare

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